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Jim Frank

1954 - 2022

Jim Frank obituary, 1954-2022, Mason City, IA

BORN

1954

DIED

2022

Jim Frank Obituary

Jim Frank

July 12, 1954-October 12, 2022

On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, Jim Frank, loving husband, father of two and papa to four, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 68 in El Dorado Hills, CA.

Jim Frank was born July 12, 1954 in Mason City, IA to Joseph and JoAnn (née Davies) Frank. He attended Mason City High School where he was a star baseball player for the Mohawks and obtained the nickname "Showboat" for his flashy skills as shortstop. Jim was so honored to be part of the 1972 Hall of Fame baseball team. When he was not playing ball, he could be found hunting and fishing with his brothers or causing mayhem around town. He also met the love of his life and number one fan, Debbie (née Sherwood), his junior year of high school. After graduating in 1972, Jim attended NIAAC where he obtained his associates degree in Criminal Justice. After several years of dating, Jim and Debbie finally tied the knot on June 11th, 1977 and were able to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary before Jim passed away. In December 1979, Jim welcomed his first daughter, Amanda and in June 1984, his second daughter, Michele (Mikki).

Jim will always be known as a hard working man. He started sweeping floors at Payless Cashways and climbed the corporate ladder to Vice President of Purchasing for several large lumber companies including Reserve Supply, Coast to Coast, BMA, Wickes, and finally BMC where he retired in 2016. Because of Jim's desire to succeed, he had the opportunity to move his family around the country to Minnesota, Colorado, South Carolina, and ultimately California where he was able to spend the last 27 years.

Jim was rewarded richly in his profession and was able to partake in once in a lifetime trips all over the world that included cruises in the Caribbean and Alaska, international fishing trips, and unimaginable golfing excursions. Through the connections Jim made during his career, he had the good fortune of meeting Sugar Ray Leonard, Terry Bradshaw, Archie Manning, Chi-Chi Rodriguez, Magic Johnson, Rocky Bleier, and his childhood baseball idol, Mickey Mantle.

When Jim was not working, he could be found watching the Denver Broncos or New York Yankees or just spending time with his beloved family. He was the happiest when he was with Debbie, his two daughters, and four amazing grandkids. Jim made a special impact on everyone he met and will be missed by so many.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and JoAnn, and brothers, Gary and Donnie. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, two daughters, Amanda (Tony) Lai, Michele (Dan) Bauer, four grandchildren, Brayden and Ashley Lai, Mikenzie and Drake Bauer, brother Jackie Frank, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life for Jim Frank will be held at a later date.

Published by Globe Gazette on Oct. 21, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Jim Frank

Not sure what to say?





Pam (Fisher) Olstad

October 15, 2023

Oh, Debbie, so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. You were both a huge part of our class year. I remember Jim's kindness and the last time we visited at a class reunion.
May your legacy bring some comfort.

Take care.

Shirley Ann Long (leichtnam)

November 13, 2022

As a kid from the north-end we were all tied together! I knew my brothers' friends and my brothers knew my pals. the girls got to watch the boys play ball. I knew Jimmy, Gary, Donnie, and their dad from the ballfields. I am very sorry to see 3 Frank brothers have passed. Those were the days--and we didn't even know it ! God bless Shirley Leichtnam Long (Brian)

Pattie Dunn

October 22, 2022

Debbie & Family
So sorry for Jimmy´s sudden death. I went to school with Jimmy from McKinley school through high school & growing up in the North end. I remember you two always being so happy
together. May many happy memories of time past be of some comfort to you in the days ahead.

Pam Boster Stemmerman

October 21, 2022

Debbie and family,
I'm sorry for your loss. I remember watching Jim play baseball on the North End and in Highschool.

David Frank

October 21, 2022

Debbie So sorry to hear about Jim´s passing. This photo is how I best remember Jim.

Deb Davis

October 21, 2022

Dear Debbie,
My Heart broke when I saw Jimmy´s obituary in today´s Globe Gazette. It was a standing joke between Jim & me that I was older than him (by 5 days!). There are no words to convey how saddened I am for you & the girls.

Theodore Peter Savas

October 21, 2022

Very sad for your loss, Deb and Frank family. Have a lot of good memories from our early days in Mason City. Wish we could have found more time to see one another here in El Dorado Hills. RIP.

Ted Savas

Anthony Savas

October 21, 2022

Dear Deb

I am so sorry for your loss. Jimmy and I shared lots of good times and great laughs over the years. Please reach out if I can be of any assistance.

May Jimmy rest in peace and his memory be eternal.

Pam Fisher Olstad

October 21, 2022

Sad to hear of Jim's passing. He was remembered fondly at the last reunion.

Thinking of you, Debbie, and of the love you found with each other in high school.

Becky Krause

October 21, 2022

Debbie I am so sorry for the loss of Jim. It is very hard in the upcoming days, months n years. I will hold you and your family in my thoughts n prayers. Stay strong.

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