Grafton – James L. Frank, 66, of Grafton, NY, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 28, 2009, at the V.A. Hospital in Albany, NY, following a lengthy illness.
Born in Ft. Myers, FL, he was the son of the late Paul W. and Venetta Corbin Frank. He was raised and educated in Grafton and attended the Berlin Central Schools. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, served as a helicopter mechanic and was honorably discharged.
Mr. Frank worked most of his life as a carpenter and a mechanic and also served as caretaker of the Forest Lake Park Association for 25 years, finally retiring from his service in the maintenance department at the Grafton Lakes State Park. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Grafton Town Library. In recent years he was accompanied by his last dog, Ralph, whom he considered to be a real pal. He also enjoyed reading, photography, gardening and travel.
Mr. Frank was an active member of the Grafton Baptist Church, having served with a puppet ministry outreach, sung with the choir and also, as a special music presentation, taught the adult Bible class. He served on the Church’s Board of Trustees. In addition to his church service, he served as a lay speaker and volunteer at the Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany and was supportive of many other Christian ministries.
He is survived by two brothers and one sister and their spouses, Paul D. and Patricia Frank of White Creek, NY, Richard G. and Bonnie Frank of Stillwater, NY, and Christina and Wayne Schillinger of Grafton, an aunt, Janet Frank of Hagerstown, MD, nine nieces and nephews and twelve great-nieces and nephews.
His memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday morning at the Grafton Baptist Church, 11 Owens Road (at the Town Square), in Grafton with the Rev. Jason White, Pastor, officiating.
Contributions in memory of Jim Frank may be made either to the Grafton Baptist Church, c/o 451 County Route 85, Cropseyville, NY, 12052 or to Peppertree Rescue, P.O. Box 2396, Albany, NY, 12220-0396.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Morris-Stebbins-Miner & Sanvidge Funeral Home, 312 Hoosick Street, Troy, NY, 12180, 518-272-5802.