Jaylen Craig Franks was born in Modesto, Ca on November 14th 1958, to the proud parents of Wanda Breshears and Fralie Franks. He grew up and resided in Oakdale, Ca his entire life. Jay attended Oakdale schools and graduated Oakdale High in 1976. He played high school football and baseball and developed a lifelong love for playing and teaching the sports to others. He first married right out of high school and tragically lost a son named Craig, but was blessed later with a daughter named Kendra.
He was employed at Oakdale Poultry and later Hersheys at the age of 18 where he worked loyally for 31 years. There he built more lasting and strong friendships and later met the love of his life Joanna Terry. They were married May 23, 1992 and were blessed with two daughters Janna and Janeese.
He developed a love for bowling and golf and participated in tournaments and teams. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends. After Hersheys closed in Oakdale Jay went to work for Gallo Winery and was a loved supervisor. He enjoyed taking his grandson to the holiday gatherings and going to watch his grandson play baseball and soccer on the weekends. He spoke so much of teaching him the fundamentals later on.
Jay Franks has developed many friendships and bonds throughout his amazing life. His loving and caring nature has always been comforting and his love for Jesus strong. He was so non-judgmental and such an easy going guy with a quirky sense of humor. He worked and fought hard for his family and what he believed in. We will never be able to put into words how amazing and loved you are. He will truly be missed and holds a dear place in our hearts.
Jay is preceded in death by his father Fralie, brother Faron, and son Craig. He is survived by his wife Joanna, daughters Kendra, Janna, and Janeese, grandson Ethan, unborn granddaughter, parents Wanda and Jack Mathewson, siblings Sonia Flores, Jeff (Maria) Franks, Barry (Darlene) Franks, John (Lori) Mathewson, Arthur (Marsha) Mathewson, Cheryl (Keith) Collins, Russel (Alvin) Mathewson, Paul (Connie) Mathewson, Freda (Eric) Mathewson, and Jessie (Mark) Millard.
Funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced at a later date, we have full faith that God will provide the perfect venue and we will let everyone know so they can help celebrate Jay Franks’ extraordinary life.
Angler’s Prayer
God Grant that I May Live to Fish, Until my Dying Day, And When it comes to my Last Cast, I Then must Humbly Pray, When in The Lord’s Safe Landing Net, I’m peacefully asleep, That in his Mercy I be judged, As Big Enough to Keep.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Oct. 14, 2015