James "Butch" Betton Franklin, III

James “Butch” Betton Franklin, III, 76, of Cape Coral, formerly of Glen Burnie, MD, passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2025.  He was born January 9, 1949 in Baltimore, MD to Mary and James Franklin, II, now deceased.

Butch was of the Christian faith.  He loved music & concerts, the mountains & camping, Ravens football, Orioles baseball & Nascar. When he was young he raced dirt bikes, went sky diving and played softball. Later he coached his stepsons little league team. He retired from Baltimore Gas & Electric and moved to Cape Coral in 2009 where he attended the “Citizen’s Academy” and became a volunteer. He started his local
“Neighborhood Watch” group and participated in the annual “Clean up The Cape” day for many years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Kathy Franklin of Cape Coral. His nephew, Kevin Smith (Terry); brother in law, Bob Cuddy (Dawn); nieces; nephews; great nieces & nephews and many lifelong friends.

Butch was not only preceded in death by his parents, but his sister, Carol Ann Smith; stepson, Tanager Ru Ricci, and nephew, Jerry Smith Jr. 

A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 noon to 4:00pm, Sunday, May 4, 2025 at Burnt Store Tavern, 3015 SW Pine Island Rd #101, Cape Coral, FL 33991.

Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.