His mother raised him and his sister, Debbie, as a single mother for most of his early years.
Highlights
- James Franklin’s upbringing by an English mother and African-American father shaped his leadership style and worldview.
- Franklin’s career spans collegiate and NFL roles, with a notable track record, including revitalizing programs at Vanderbilt and Penn State.
- Despite professional demands, Franklin prioritizes his family’s well-being, including navigating challenges related to his daughter’s health.
James Franklin, the Penn State Nittany Lions head coach, attributes much of his success to the diverse backgrounds and experiences of his parents, Jocelyn and James Oliver Franklin Sr.
Their unique heritages and life stories have significantly influenced his personal and professional development.
Graduate. Graduate. Graduate. Graduate. #WeAre so proud of you! Continue to chase your dreams & make a positive impact on the world! pic.twitter.com/KX0R0sTpgC
— James Franklin (@coachjfranklin) August 10, 2024
James’ Mother, Jocelyn, Was A Single Mother
Jocelyn Franklin, affectionately known as Josie, is originally from Manchester, England.
She met James Oliver Franklin Sr., a US Airman, during his deployment in England.
The couple eloped to Ireland before settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
After their separation, Jocelyn raised James and his sister, Debbie, as a single mother.
She constantly supported James’ first sports love, baseball, and remained his number-one cheerleader throughout his early life.
In an interview, James quoted,
Think about this. My mom came to this country, and she knows nobody. No friends. No family. No nothing. And things don’t go well with my mom and my dad, and she’s got nobody. A lot of times, you’ve at least got family or someone to turn to or lean on. She’s got nobody. So she really kind of invested and poured everything into us.
altoonamirror.com
Josie passed away on October 13, 2007, after battling cancer.
James Franklin Sr. Was A U.S. Airman
James Oliver Franklin Sr. served in the U.S. Air Force, which led him to England, where he met Jocelyn.
The couple eventually separated after their marriage and relocation to the United States.
James Sr. remained in and out of his children’s lives but disappeared completely when James Jr. was in 11th grade.
Details about his post-military career remain limited, but his early influence and African-American heritage shaped James Franklin’s identity.
He passed away in 1997.
Jame’s Sister Maintains A Good Relationship With Sister Debbie
James Franklin’s sister, Debbie—now Debra Sharpe—played a significant role in his upbringing.
She and their mother regularly attended Franklin’s games, providing support and encouragement.
Debra resides near their childhood home in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and has children of her own.
Happy #NationalSiblingsDay Bro @coachjfranklin we look so happy don't we! LOL pic.twitter.com/qGNAjGMfbk
— Debra Sharpe (@DebraSharpe10) April 11, 2017
Franklin values the close-knit family ties, noting that his move to Penn State has allowed his children to develop strong relationships with their cousins.
In 2016, the family faced a challenging period when Debra’s husband, Jim Sharpe, passed away due to cancer.
Sharpe was deeply involved in youth sports, serving as a coach and vice president of the Penndel Wildcats football league and coaching baseball for the Neshaminy Wildcats.
In post-game interviews following a victory over Ohio State, Franklin honored his late brother-in-law by tearfully mentioning his niece and nephew, Kendra and Jeremy.
James Played QB At East Stroudsburg University
Born on February 2, 1972, in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, James Franklin developed a passion for sports early on, starting with baseball.
He attended Neshaminy High School, where he showcased his athletic talents in both football and baseball.
James Franklin
— Random College Athletes (@RandomAthletess) May 23, 2021
East Stroudsburg University, Quarterback 1992-1995 pic.twitter.com/7HoLdAEHpD
Franklin continued his football career as a quarterback at East Stroudsburg University from 1991 to 1994, where he set several school records and was a nominee for Division II Player of the Year in 1994.
He Began His Coaching Career At Kutztown University
After college, Franklin transitioned into coaching, beginning with roles at Kutztown University and his alma mater, East Stroudsburg.
He gained experience through various coaching positions, including stints at James Madison University, Washington State University, and the University of Maryland.
Franklin also served as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas State Wildcats and held positions with the Green Bay Packers in the NFL.
Before James Franklin, Vanderbilt hadn’t finished ranked inside the AP Top 25 since 1948. In 2012 & 2013, Franklin guided Vanderbilt to two 9-4 seasons with victories over Tennessee, Missouri, Georgia & Florida along with finishing #23 & #24 in the Final AP Poll. Vanderbilt… pic.twitter.com/qj0G42DCwa
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) May 24, 2023
In 2011, he became the head coach at Vanderbilt University, leading the team to notable successes.
In 2014, Franklin was appointed as the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, where he has continued to build a strong program.
James Is Married With Two Daughters
James Franklin is married to Fumi Franklin, and together they have two daughters, Shola and Addison.
Having grown up in a household led by women, Franklin is vocal about his appreciation of his wife and daughters.
In an interview, he said,
Women have had a huge impact on me. Now I’ve got one at home that’s calling all the shots as well – my wife – and my two daughters. So I’m surrounded by women again.
altoonamirror.com
The impact that moms have in this country, I don’t think you can put it into words, the difference that they’re making, whether they’re moms that are raising children in a traditional family or whether it’s single parents. I know for myself and a lot of the players and people I come in contact with, you can’t measure the importance that moms have on families and that moms have on a lot of our players.
However, the family has faced challenges, particularly concerning Addison’s health, as she has been diagnosed with sickle cell disease.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, to protect Addison, Fumi and the children resided in Florida while James continued his coaching responsibilities in Pennsylvania.
Additional Information
- In December 2010, Franklin became the first African-American head coach in Vanderbilt University’s football history. During his tenure, he led the Commodores to unprecedented success, including consecutive bowl appearances and top-25 finishes.
- Franklin’s coaching journey includes a stint in the NFL. In 2005, he served as the wide receivers coach for the Green Bay Packers, gaining valuable professional experience before returning to the collegiate ranks as an offensive coordinator at Kansas State.
- With over 13 years of head coaching experience, Franklin boasts a winning percentage exceeding 66%. This achievement places him among the top active FBS coaches, reflecting his consistent ability to lead successful programs.
