Penn State Head Coach James Franklin’s Parents Fell In Love Amid Racial Prejudice, Eloping To Ireland Before Settling In Pittsburgh

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James Franklin was born into a highly complex family background that has touched his life and career as the head football coach at Pennsylvania State University since 2014.

He was born on February 2, 1972, in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, to James Oliver Franklin and Jocelyn “Josie” Franklin.

His father is of African-American descent, while his mother is of British-Caucasian ethnicity, making him biracial.

This heritage has been a part of his coaching philosophy throughout his career.

James Franklin’s parents met in Manchester, England, where James Oliver served with the Air Force.

Their love story started against the backdrop of racial prejudice as they eloped to Ireland before eventually settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

They had two children: James and his older sister Debbie, who is five years old and his senior.

The marriage was troubled, and they eventually divorced when James was young.

He was raised mainly by his mother, Josie, who taught him the value of hard work and how to survive.

Growing up, Franklin faced the challenges of being biracial in America during the 1970s and 1980s.

James Franklin family photograph
James Franklin Family Photograph. (Source: State College)

His mother also remained close to her Black family, and that helped him work his way through his complex identity.

Against the unfortunate setting of her life, James experienced two tragic losses of her brothers at a tender age to polio and another in a tragic accident with a bus.

These experiences of loss added to the strain in her marriage with James Oliver to eventual separation.

James Franklin Was Raised By His Single Mother After His Parents Separated!

After his parents divorced, Josie brought James and Debbie up as a single parent.

Despite such challenges, she remained a strong influence in their lives until she died in 2007 from cancer.

James Oliver Franklin died ten years later, but not before he had left an indelible mark on a son who would use that as motivation to succeed.

Looking back on his childhood, Franklin has spoken several times about how such experiences have shaped him as a coach and leader; he attributes such values to the strength and tenacity of his mother.

He explained, pointing to the family dynamics that played an important part in shaping his identity.

My mom’s from England, so that makes my family in a lot of ways small because basically the side I grew up with was just my dad’s side of the family. 

Via State College

Franklin attended Neshaminy High School in Langhorne before moving on to East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.

There, he had an outstanding career as a quarterback, setting most of the school’s records and being named a nominee for the Division II player of the year in 1994.

After graduating with a degree in psychology in 1995, he began his coaching career at Kutztown University as a wide receivers coach.

Franklin Carries The Values Of Stability Taught By His Parents!

All of these led him through the assistant coaching ranks to significant roles at Kansas State University and Vanderbilt University before being named head coach at Penn State.

If his professional milestones were insufficient, Franklin’s personal life is a sight to behold.

During his time as a coach at Washington State University in 1998, he met Fumi Franklin, née Funmilayo J. Ala, who was then a student there.

Their relationship turned into marriage, and they have two daughters: Addison and Shola.

The responsibility for education and community service that the couple has shows lessons taught by Franklin’s mother.

Franklin has been actively involved in philanthropy throughout his career.

He has supported such causes as children’s health initiatives and educational equity scholarships.

His family’s devotion to service parallels what was learned from Josie about stability and giving back to the community.

The story of James Franklin’s journey from Langhorne to one of the country’s most recognizable college football coaches is completely intertwined with that of his parents.

His mother’s struggles in life set not only his character but also the way he approaches sports leadership.

As he still leads the Penn State football program, Franklin carries with him the legacy of stability taught by Jocelyn “Josie” Franklin, and This shows how one’s upbringing can greatly influence one’s path in life.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Franklin began his coaching career in 1995, coaching wide receivers at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.
  • James Franklin was named Penn State’s 43rd Annual Renaissance Fund honoree 2019.
  • On January 11, 2014, Penn State appointed Franklin as head football coach of the Nittany Lions.
Reshma Rasaili
Reshma Rasaili
Reshma Rasaili is a content editor recognized for her ability to create engaging digital content, ensure quality, and deliver stories that connect with audiences.

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