Francis Joseph James

Francis Joseph James, Frank, passed from this life on July 16, 2026 in Charlottesville, Virginia. He died in the loving presence of his beloveds -his partner, Karulynn, his niece, Charlotte and his puppy, Buddy. He was born on March 15, 1948.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Faith Sabella James and Thedore Earl James, his brothers, Nicholas Daniel James and William Benjamin James, his siter-in-law, Carol Riggins James, his nephew, Brendan Wann James and his former wife, Nuna Mingo. He is survived by his partner, Karulynn Koelliker, sister, Faith Dorothy James, (Roger), brothers, Theodore Earl James (Helen) and John Peter James (Glenda), fourteen nieces and nephews (including five spouses), ten grand nieces and nephews, two former sister in laws, Mary Ellen Griffin and Bev Wann and his former wife, Stephanie Coughtry.

Frank grew up in White Plains, New York, attended Archbishop Stepinac High School, Manhattan College and studied art and photography at the New York School of Visual Arts. (While a student there he worked as a studio assistant to the painter Chuck Close and modeled for a large painting which is in the permanent collection of the Minneapolis Museum of Art). Photography became his lifelong passion and joy.

After graduating from the School of Visual Arts, he received his M.F.A. from Tuft’s University at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. He was awarded a post graduate traveling fellowship to continue his work in photography in Europe.

After returning to the U.S. Frank worked in photography/camera stores (opened one himself), and as a wedding photographer. Over the course of his life he continued to capture alluring nature and street images, along with enduring family portraits. He leaves a legacy of beautiful and creative photographs.

He lived in New York, California, Oregon and finally in Virginia. It was in Virginia where he met his loving partner, Karulynn.

Frank loved growing flowers, especially dahlias, tulips and hollyhocks, watching the birds, and sharing good food …blueberry-peach cobbler, tiramisu, lobster, scallops and shrimp! He enjoyed connecting with people from all walks of life, spreading kindness and good cheer, spending time with Karulynn, Max, their cat and Buddy and Penny, their dogs. He always encouraged his loved ones to follow their dreams. The Prayer of St. Francis exemplified his way of life.

Right up until the last moment of awareness Frank expressed deep gratitude for every day of his life.