My Life Story.....

I, Johnny Franklin, better known as " Johnny Cool", was born October 24, 1960, in the small southern town of Blytheville, Arkansas. That is where my parents, Junior & Mildred, first met, in fell in love, and eventually married. Both gained their wings several years ago and are now reunited in eternity.

In 1975, our family decided to relocate to the Windy City after the passing of my grandmother, whom I adored. Adjusting to city life was tough at first, especially since we were considered "country folk" by you Northerners. Fortunately for me, most of the city girls were very curious about us southern gents, which made me stand out above the rest of y'all wanna be players. My first love was the mother of my oldest son, Juan. I want to thank her for being so kind, loving and nurturing woman. After leaving high school in 1979, I enlisted in the Marines with the hopes of seeing the world. Being stationed in Okinawa, Japan gave me a greater sense of culture and an appreciation of Planet Earth. Of Course, I had fun. (Perhaps a little too much fun, since my stint was cut short, but that'll be our secret.)

Upon coming back to the States, it was time to filly embrace adulthood. I happened to marry the love of my life and fathered two undeniably beautiful young ladies Alma "Shanika" and Canjohnika "Bayboo". After my divorce, I was blessed to have two more children, a young handsome dude like myself named Jesse, and an amazingly gorgeous daughter, Jasmine.

I held several jobs but the one I enjoyed the most was carpentry. Okay, so enough about me, LOL. Please know that all of you who have had a positive impact on my life will be missed, but never forgotten.

To my grandchildren, Juwon, Treshawn, Aunsheya, Tori , Javeah, Lorenzo, Ju'Ria, Ja'Hari, Jasmine, Jahzara, Eric, Kamari, and Alayiah; my siblings, Reese, Demetrius, Terrance Merritt, Tamera, Aretha, and William; my niece and nephew, Taeja and Denzel; relatives and friends,  I encourage you to take care of one another and know that true love is a deliberate act and will never fail.

Forever yours,

Johnny Cool