It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved James (“Jim”) Hugh Franzen. Jim suddenly passed away due to his rapid decline of Dementia diagnosis in January of 2024. Even with the disease, nothing hindered him. He was optimistic and enjoyed life. Now, he is resting in peace with his beloved parents and brother.
Jim was born in Chicago, Illinois to Hugh Joseph Franzen and LaVergne Mary Tennyson Franzen. He lived in Chicago until 1959 with his family. The family was Catholic and Jim and his siblings attended catholic schools. He served as an alter boy at mass on Sundays and at one point in his life wanted to become a priest. His family relocated to California and lived in the Los Angeles area. While working, he received his Certified Public Accountant license from the State Board of Accountancy in 1963. Additionally, he attended school and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from UCLA in 1966.
In 1976, Jim relocated to Santa Barbara with his family and thereafter he opened and ran a successful public accounting practice. Later in 1999, he and his son, Michael Franzen, formed Franzen & Franzen, LLP, and together as business partners ran that public accounting firm for almost 25 years until Jim’s retirement in 2023.
He served on the Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara Symphony from 1976-1996 and was recognized as an Honorary Board member in 2019. He also served on the boards of the Santa Barbara Counseling Center and Rudi Schulte Research Institute.
In 1998, Jim married Maria L. Dominguez, in Santa Barbara, and raised her two children, Frank (1981) and Julius (1987). Ever since then, they have been inseparable and have always had a close bond. And he recently went back to the Catholic Church and renewed his marriage vows with his wife Maria, the love of his life and continued attending mass and Adoration until the day before his hospitalization. This was in honor of his mother “Mary” who so much desired him to return to the Catholic Church.
Jim’s passion was spending time with his family and friends, attending the UCLA Football games, reading, listening to Frank Sinatra songs, gardening, taking long walks, and going to the Symphony. He especially loved to travel and enjoyed cruising where he could see unfamiliar places and meet new people. His will forever be remembered in out hearts for his beautiful smile, kindness, love, generosity, helpfulness, respect, big hugs, and his dry sense of humor. I love you and until we meet again, my love, in eternity.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and LaVergne Franzen; his brother Thomas J. Franzen (Evelyn [Esther – predeceased]). He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Maria L. Franzen; his sisters Mary Lou Howard (Doug – predeceased); Catherine Glenn; and Anne M. Schindler (Todd); his children from his first marriage, Michael R. Franzen (Melissa); and Charlene S. Hiatt; his stepsons Frank M. Dominguez, Jr.; and Julius A. Dominguez; and his adored grandchildren, Taylor, Connor, Filisha, Alison, Charlie and Parker, and many nieces and nephews.
A Rosary will be held on July 9, 2025, at 7:00pm at Welch-Ryce-Haider, 15 East Sola Street, Santa Barbara.
The Funeral Mass will be held on July 10, 2025, at 10:00am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 21 East Sola Street, Santa Barbara. The burial will follow at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name can be made out to “UCLA”.
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