Francis O. James

Francis O. “Frank” James, 87 made his peace with God and passed quietly on Saturday, November 10, 2012.  

Born March 20, 1925 in Winston Salem, North Carolina to Nell Mabes James and Charlie Henderson James, he was the oldest of four children. Whether you knew him as Frank, Daddy, Dad, Pops, Paw Paw or Pappy, knowing Frank James wasn’t something to be missed. Ornery, funny, grumpy, generous, amazingly strong and hardworking are words that come to mind. Frank moved from North Carolina to Akron, Ohio in 1945 living in Kenmore and finally settling in Springfield Township in 1964 where he and his family would remain. He worked 27 years at Roadway Express as a garage man in their Akron terminal, ending his years with them in the Copley terminal in 1985.

A small glimpse into Frank was offered in the collection of stories by the late Tim Russert, “Wisdom of Our Fathers” in 2006. His story, “The Lunch Box” on page 186, was told by one of his sons as an example Frank’s constant efforts as a provider and example of his wonderful work ethic and the legacy that leaves. Always working more than one job, he built many lifelong friendships with those he met and helped along the way that last to this day with those who knew him. An avid antique collector and garage sale junkie, a tank of gas, the Beacon Journal classifieds and a sunny morning were his idea of heaven.

Preceded in death by his parents, Nell and Charlie; his wife of 45 years, Daisy Adeline, “Noot,” (1990); his brother, Marion “Ed”; sons, Larry Lester (1957), and James Edward (2009). Frank is survived by daughters, Vicki Jarrett (sons, Cliff and Ted) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Chiquita Medlin (daughter, Melissa) of Akron, Ohio; and son, Craig James, his wife, Katherine (sons, Nicholas, (wife Angie, sons Nathaniel and Bishop), Anthony, (wife, Ashley, daughter, Angelina), Timothy “George”, Matthew, Jacob, Adrian and Tanner) as well as the children of his late son, James Edward (daughter, Lisa (her daughter, Tiffany) and sons, Jay (wife, Reesa) and Glenn (wife, Stephanie); sisters, Betty June Caudle (Tommy), Mary Nell Riding (Jerry), both of North Carolina; as well as many nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his dear, dear friend and help-mate, Genevieve “Ginny” Bartoletta of Akron, who gave him comfort, care and companionship for the past 20 years, as well as friends of 50 years, Gib Overly (wife, Pat) of Mogadore; and his best friend and neighbor, John Lucas, who politely drank his awful coffee every morning.

Funeral services will be held Saturday 10:00 a.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44312. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Friends may call 4-8 p.m. Friday.