James Wilsman, Sr.

James Fredrick Wilsman, Sr., Franklin, Nebraska, known to many as Poppy, passed away Saturday, June 10th, 2017, in Franklin, Nebraska. Jim was born August 9, 1927 in Burr Oak, Kansas, to Earl and Marie Wilsman. Jim moved to the Franklin area during his teenage years and graduated from Franklin High School in 1945. He then joined the Merchant Marines. On June 25, 1949, he was united in marriage to Barbara J. Fruhling and they made their home in Franklin. To this union, three sons and one daughter were born. Throughout their marriage Jim and Barb were active members of the United Congregational Church of Christ, Jaycee's, Bridge clubs and founding members of the Franklin Country Club. Jim also belonged to the Masonic Lodge and Franklin Fire Department. He enjoyed trap shooting, bird hunting, and fishing at Harlan. Jim spent his later years enjoying family and appreciating hearing grandkids run through his house.

Jim was a part of the Franklin Main Street for decades. His career at Rightway Grocery began in December 1949 following the death of his father-in-law, Buck Fruhling. He expanded the store to include a Gooch's Best Feed dealership. In 1982, Jim and Barb purchased Rightway where Barb was the bookkeeper and Jim was the butcher. He remained behind the meat counter until 2006. Many family members have worked and still work at Rightway, and son, Stu is the third generation owner.

There are many fond memories of Poppy. His children remember hot summer Sundays at the lake teaching friends and family to water ski. Grandkids remember camping, hunting and fishing. The great-grandkids remember lots of ice cream and chocolate milk.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents - Earl and Marie; wife - Barbara; son-Jeffrey: brother - John; and son-in-law - Dennis Decker.

He is survived by sister - Jeanne Bates; daughter - Sarah Decker; 2 sons - James, Jr. and wife, Pamela, Stuart and wife, Jacqueline; brother-in-law - William Slocum; 2 nephews - Kevin Slocum and Ed Slocum; niece - Amy Walton; 6 grandchildren - Sally Jo and husband - Leland Wentworth, Kasi Jamel and husband - Paul DiBello, Christopher Dean and wife - Sabrina Decker, Andrew James and wife,- Melissa Wilsman, Anthony Ross and wife - Carrie Wilsman, and Joseph Brandon Wilsman; 13 great-grandchildren - Logan Neal and Spencer James Wentworth; Andrew Joseph, Blake Anthony, and Lillian Grace Marie DiBello; Hudson Dean and Sawyer Mae Decker; Joseph Daniel Alexander and Breanna MacKenzie Wilsman and Keifer Jacob Allen Garrett; Avery Claire, James Stuart and Juliet Elizabeth Wilsman; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service for James Fredrick Wilsman, Sr., was held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 17th, 2017, at United Congregational Church of Christ, Franklin, Nebraska, with Pastor James Hossler officiating. Mrs. Debra James was the pianist. Honorary Casket Bearers were great- grandchildren - Logan, Spencer, Andrew, Blake, Lillian, Hudson, Sawyer, Alexx, Breanna, Jacob, Avery, James, and Juliet. Inurnment was at the Greenwood Cemetery of Franklin. The family suggests memorials to the United Congregational Church of Christ. Friends may sign the register book, Friday, June 16, 2017, at the Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska, from 9:00 am to 7:00 p.m.

Online condolences can be left at www.hutchinsfh.com. Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska, was in charge of arrangements.