James Bernard “Jim” Franckowiak

James Bernard “Jim” Franckowiak

Brighton

James Bernard “Jim” Franckowiak, age 64, of Brighton, Iowa, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Lake Darling State Park.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Lake Darling Lodge. Interment will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery. Calling hours will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a general memorial has been established. Online condolences may be sent for Jim’s family at www.jonesfh.com

Jim was born on October 16, 1960, in Kimberly, Wisconsin, the son of Bernard and Nancy (Pichette) Franckowiak. He attended grade school in Wisconsin and later graduated from Mariner High School in Everett, Washington. On November 14, 1986, Jim married Machele Waterhouse in Fairfield, Iowa.

Jim had resided in Washington County since December 1998 and worked for over 20 years as a fabricator for Gingerich Well Drilling in Kalona, Iowa. He was a member of Suburban Heights Baptist Church in Fairfield. Jim loved to e-bike and had a passion for the outdoors. He loved the mountains and enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping, and traveling, especially to Colorado.

Jim is survived by his wife, Machele “Shelly” Franckowiak of Brighton, Iowa; their six children: daughter, Melody (Michael) Gearheart of Grace Hill, Iowa; daughter, Amber (Caleb) Adkins of Jacksonville, Arkansas; son, Jake Franckowiak of Kalona, Iowa; daughter, Joy Franckowiak of Kalona, Iowa; daughter, Grace Helterbran of Brighton, Iowa; and son, Samuel “Sam” Franckowiak of Brighton, Iowa; 12 grandchildren: Aaron Gearheart (fiancée Melody), Aspen Gearheart, Archer Gearheart, Avalon Gearheart, Astrid Gearheart, Grayson Adkins, Jaxson Adkins, Isabella Adkins, Ariella Adkins, Blake Sassan, Iverson Stauffer, and Ezekiel Helterbran; and a great-grandson, Dean Gearheart.

He is also survived by his siblings: brother, Michael (Deb) Franckowiak of Wenatchee, Washington; brother, Steve (Marie) Franckowiak of De Pere, Wisconsin; sister, Michelle (Brogden) Goethe of Jacksonville, Florida; and sister, Melissa (Phil) Piscitelli of Jacksonville, Florida; mother-in-law, Connie Waterhouse of Washington, Iowa; brother-in-law, Dan (Barb) Waterhouse of Washington, Iowa; and sisters-in-law, Lisa (Don) McGhan of La Grange, Indiana, and Becky (Tedd) Butler of Keota, Iowa.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Bob Waterhouse; and brother-in-law, Jason Waterhouse.