James Richard Frame Sr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Richard Frame, Sr. (77), who died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, January 26th, 2025.
Jim was born on August 6, 1947 in Vine Grove, KY to John and Judy Frame. He attended North Hardin High School. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Louisville where he played football while earning his teaching degree. He received his Master's of Education from UofL and spent many years teaching and coaching the youth of Louisville He began his illustrative career at Flaget High School before moving on to Trinity. He adored his students and made lifelong impressions on those he taught and coached. An opportunity arose at the Catholic School Athletic Association as Karl Schmidt was set to retire. Under his leadership as the Executive Director of the CSAA, Jim used his passion and love for athletics to build an organization that provided a positive outlet and a place to grow for young athletes across the community. He was an individual that could only be described as having a profound impact on a community through sports. His dedication to equity in athletics and the belief that sports were more about life lessons than winning, established himself as a pillar in the athletic community. You could easily find Jim at a field, in a gym, or on a court nearly every day of the week. He was a true servant leader, leading by example and providing the best opportunities for those he served. As he always said, "these sports are for the kids, it's all about them". He served in this role for over 29 years impacting thousands upon thousands of young student athletes.
After retiring from the CSAA, Jim embraced his full time role as husband, father, grandfather (better known as Pop), and great-grandfather. The smile on his face as he kept up with his "grands" was priceless. He would follow the baseball games from Hikes Point, softball from Lyndon, and countless games of travel ball livestreamed across Tennessee, Kentucky, and everywhere in between. He would burst with pride as his grands were living their best lives on and off the fields.
"Big Jim," as he is affectionately known to many, lived up to his name. He was larger than life and his personality could fill a room. There has never been a better story teller. Whether it is a tale from his days coaching at Flaget on the practice fields trying to show his players he's still got it, facing off across the line from Mean Joe Green while playing for UofL, coaching his own kids through baseball and softball (now those were some roadtrips!), seeing the beginning of a new sport for the CSAA, or talking about "Duck's chicken salad" at the office Christmas Party, Big Jim could draw you in to a conversation that you would remember and feel better about after leaving.
Jim was a devoted husband to Rosalie "Duck" Frame for 49 years who preceded him in death. Together they had three children, Angie Palmer, Jim Jr. (Melissa), and Joanie Butler (Chris). His 6 grandchildren and great-granddaughter (with great-grandbaby #2 on the way) were the absolute joys in his life. He is also survived by his brother Cary Frame (Margaret), his brother-in-law John Corso, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The visitation for Big Jim will be at Highlands Funeral Home at 3331 Taylorsville Rd, Louisville, KY, 40205 on Saturday, February 8th, 2025 from 12:00pm until 6:00pm. His service will be held at 6:00pm following the visitation at Highlands. Please consider wearing a "Pop" of red or dressing in red and black as Big Jim was an avid supporter of the Louisville Cardinals. L's Up! Rest easy, good and faithful servant.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Jim to the Flaget Scholarship Fund, https://www.flaget.org/donate/ as they award annual scholarships to each of the twelve Catholic High Schools in the Louisville area.