James C. Franz, Jr. (Big Jim), age 49, of Medina, OH passed away on July 2, 2020 after a long hard fought four month battle with MDS/ Leukemia with his loving wife, favorite nurse,  and best caregiver in the world, Patty (Sweisthal) by his side. Jim was born in Cleveland, OH on December 30, 1970 and was a loving son to Jim and Barb (Labuda)Franz.  He grew up in Strongsville, OH and was a graduate of Strongsville High School class of 1989.  Jim's love for mechanics and the outdoors inspired him to be an operating engineer for over 20 years. He had many passions, snowmobiling, dirt bike riding, hunting, fishing, caring for and working in his yard, but most of all drag racing.

Jim is survived by his wife of 24 years, Patty (Sweisthal); parents, Jim and Barb (Labuda) Franz; mother in law, Sue (Jones) Sweisthal; sister, Colleen (Jeff) Kerkay; sisters in law, Peggy Hamilton and Anne (Rick) Jeffery; brother in law, Billy Sweisthal; nephews, Richard and Alex Jeffery, Jake and Alex Kerkay, Joey and Jaxon Sweisthal; niece, Chelsea Hamilton; many cousins; and a lifetime of so many groups of friends that he made over the years. Jim was also a loving 'doggy daddy' to Cali, Ryder, and Bailey (deceased).

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph & Josephine Labuda, John & Irene Franz; and his father in law, Bill Sweisthal.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Waite Funeral Home, 765 N Court Street, Medina, OH 44256.

In lieu of flowers the family will gratefully accept donations in Jim's memory to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 6111 Oak Tree Blvd, S suite, Independence, OH 44131. Or at LLS.org

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.waitefuneralhome.com