James Lawson Frantz

James Lawson Frantz, born June 1, 1937, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 13, 2025. He was born in Martin's Ferry, Ohio and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. Upon graduating from high school in 1955, he enlisted in the US Navy. He toured the world on the USS Saratoga where he grew to love airplanes, the ocean, and seashells. He left the Navy after 4 years and moved to Virginia Beach where he met his bride to be, Judith Lee Keith. Jim and Judy were married in August 1964.
Jim would want everyone to know that the most important thing in his life was his love for the Lord Jesus Christ. He faithfully started each day with the Lord reading his bible and praying, and he was a devoted family man. He helped to start the Young Life Club at Princess Anne High School and loved being a Young Life leader. He attended the Virginia Beach Community Chapel and King's Grant Baptist Church until his illness kept him home.
Jim worked for the architectural firms McClurg & Wall and Waller & Todd in the '70s before being hired by the City of Virginia Beach as the Project Manager of the original Virginia Beach Pavillion. He continued his career with the City of Virginia Beach as an assistant administrator in Building Maintenance until retiring in 2009. He enthusiastically served as a volunteer with the Virginia Beach Police Helicopter Unit for over 20 years.
He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Judy, two daughters Stacy Munroe (Chris) and Jamie Valverde (Hugo), five grandchildren Mariela Palmer (Jacob), Carolina Valverde, Nathaniel Valverde, Samuel Valverde and Sofia Valverde.
The family would like to thank Melissa Hager and Tammy Sonnier for the loving care they have provided to him during the past two years.
Visitation will take place at HD Oliver Funeral Apartments on Thursday, December 18th from 4pm to 6pm. A private memorial service will be held in the future.