James "Jim" V. Franey

James “Jim” V. Franey, age 84, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, with his family by his side. He was born April 13, 1942, in Churdan, Iowa, to Charles and Agnes Franey. Jim was a longtime resident of Lanark, Illinois, and most recently resided in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Jim spent his early years near Churdan until 1943, when his family moved to the Jefferson-Cooper area. He attended school in Cooper and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1960, where he was active in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He went on to attend Iowa State University, graduating in 1965. While at Iowa State, Jim was a member of the Cyclone baseball team and later played semi-professional baseball in Iowa and Nebraska. He also completed graduate work at Northern Illinois University.

Jim began his career as a teacher and coach in Iowa before relocating to Illinois, where he continued both roles. He later joined the Department of Defense, working in Illinois, Kentucky, Saudi Arabia, Oklahoma, and Kansas. He retired in 2004 from Fort Riley, Kansas.

On November 10, 1978, Jim married Pat Shipley in Lanark, Illinois. Together they were active members of the Lanark Church of the Brethren, where Jim also served on the church board. Jim had a lifelong love of sports, especially high school athletics. While living in Lanark, he was a devoted supporter of the Eastland Cougars and spent many hours attending games. He was also a dedicated New York Yankees fan. Jim served as a baseball and softball umpire for 25 years. He enjoyed playing cards and never missed an opportunity to talk sports with family and friends.

Jim is survived by his children, Rodney (Laura) Franey of Leawood, Kansas, and Jodi Mallette of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; and his stepchildren, Kimberley Riley of Lanark, Illinois, Kristy Pierce of Davis, Illinois, Rob Shipley of Pearl City, Illinois, and Sarah (Randy) Witt of Lanark, Illinois.  He isalso survived by his brother, Denny (Carol) Franey of Longwood, Colorado; sisters-in-law Shirley Franey and Jill Franey of Jefferson, Iowa; 22 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He greatly enjoyed following the activities and accomplishments of his family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pat; his parents, Charles I. and Agnes C. Franey; his brothers, Charles (“Jerry”) Franey, Robert W. (“Bill”) Franey, Thomas J. (“Joe”) Franey, Donald Francis Franey, Richard Franey, and John Franey; his sister, Mary Jane Franey; and sisters-in-law Carolyn Franey, Diane Pauley, Lorene Roberts, and Jan Geary.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on June 20, 2026, at Law Jones Funeral Home in Lanark, Illinois, with light refreshments to follow. A private burial service will be held at the cemetery.