James “Jim” R. Frink
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James “Jim” R. Frink, 71, of Topeka, KS, formerly Lawrence, KS, passed away Monday, February 5, 2024, surrounded by his family. Jim was born January 14, 1953, in Lawrence, KS, the son of Frank Russell and Margaret (Stough) Frink. Jim graduated from Lawrence High School in 1971 and married his high school sweetheart, Sharon (Jeffries), November 4, 1972.
After high school, Jim attended the Police Academy and served on the Lawrence Police Department for 17 years. During that time, Jim and Sharon welcomed two children, their daughter Megan and their son Derek. Jim retired from the police department in 1989 to pursue his love of Science and Teaching. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from the University of Kansas and his Masters Degree from Baker University. During his teaching career, Jim taught Middle School Science at Indian Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS, and Southwest Middle School in Lawrence, KS. His favorite part of the school year was when students would work on their Rube Goldberg Projects.
After 26 years, Jim retired from teaching in 2021. Soon after, he realized retired life wasn’t for him. Jim loved working with his hands and in the outdoors, so he accepted a part time position at Midwest Concrete Materials in groundskeeping and maintenance.
When Jim wasn’t working, he was spending time with his family, doing home improvement projects, playing games, and filling the room with his sarcasm and laughter. He taught Martial Arts and was a Fifth Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, working on model railroads, and watching KU Basketball and Football and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Paul. Jim is survived by his wife, Sharon; his children, Megan (Brian) Odle and Derek Frink; his three granddaughters, Elaine Frink, Savannah Odle, and Madison Odle; and his sister Mimi (Ted) Kaplysh.
A service will be held to honor Jim’s life at 5:00pm on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, with visitation starting at 4:00pm.
Memorial contributions may be made in James’ name to FIRST Robotics and the Spencer Museum of Art in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Such a well-written obituary to honor Jim and everything that brought him joy in life. Sharon, Megan, and Derek, my heart hurts so badly for all of you…love you all so very much.
My condolences Sharon! I’m sorry for your loss! Peace be with you!
So many memories of Jim’s smile as we grew up. I remember feeling safe because we had a police officer in the cul-de-sac. I loved seeing him at Southwest when I went to visit and I will miss him dearly at future LHS football games. My heart is with you Sharon, Megan, and Derek and with your girls.
One of the first people I met when I came to Lawrence as a KU student in the 80’s, joining the Lawrence Tae Kwon Do group. He was a role model for myself and others in the group, as well as, my sons once he left he LKPD and taught them at Southwest. I was lucky enough to speak to him him off and on when he moved around the corner in later years. He was influential to many. Rest easy. Warren, Barbara, Nick and Jack
Jim and the family he grew up in were longtime friends of my family, and I watched him grow up. Our families were close, and I remember being at the Frinks and with them at “Windy Gulch” in the summer. He died far too soon and he will be missed.
Jim’s finest quality was the way he loved his family unconditionally. I’m blessed to have known him and to have seen this in action. I’m so sorry for your loss, Frink family.
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Prayers to you & the family.
Peace and comfort to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Jim a long time ago at the Lawrence Police Dept. He was a great guy and very sad to hear of his passing.
So sorry to hear this. Hugs and prayers to Sharon and family.
Sharon and family, my sympathy for your loss. My, he had an interesting and full life doing so many different types of things and doing them well. I remember him as a good teacher from my years at Southwest. His family was so important to him always.
He was a great teacher. He taught was my science teacher at Southwest. He had us make Rube Goldberg machines. Still one of my favorite science projects. So sorry for your loss.
Thinking of all Jim’s loved ones and am sorry for your loss. Jim was one of those special people who always brought smiles to all who knew him.
I had the pleasure of being his colleague at SW Middle School in Lawrence, where I was a counselor. His classroom was always alive with interest and discovery. The students loved him and all the experiments and discussions he led.
He truly made a difference. May he rest in peace.
Sharon,Megan, Dereck and your beautiful granddaughter’s it’s so hard to say the words that will comfort you as right now you are just trying to keep going. I am sorry for your lose of Jim. Sharon, he was and still is the love of your life the kids adored dad and the grandkids loving papa. The shock that he is gone just can’t be believed right now. My suggestion is to stay close to each other and lean on each other. Your strong love of each other will keep you going. For sometime to come your mind and body is in shock with nothing making any sense it’s just too much to take in everything all ar once. Slowly that will happen for you all but just getting through what you must do right now is all you need to focus on. Your love for each other will hold you together. It was so helpful to me that the people in your life reached out to me. I am here for you even if you just want to talk or have someone listen to your thoughts and let you just cry with someone. You might not know right now what you need but when something comes up I will be there for you. Hug each other often and hold each others hands as you get through what you need to do. Sending strength and love to you all.
Sharon and Family:
I am truly sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I was blessed in the fact that Jim and I worked the same shift at the Lawrence Police Dept. for a number of years. We rode together on Patrol and he assisted me when I was instructing the Junior High Program which he eventually became the instructor and gave wonderful instruction to the Junior High students.
I was so sorry to read of your loss. Jim did the Police Unit when I was at South Junior High and then went on to have both our daughters at Southwest. Jim was a great guy. Our sympathies. Linda & Eric Hyler
Sharon and family,
I’m sure you are as shocked as I am. I am so sorry to read this and send my love, hugs and condolences. I spent many a weekend playing with Jim when we came down on weekends to visit the family as we were growing up. I remember a collection of guppies swimming in the home bath tub which Jim had won at some carnival event on the KU campus. Thanks for the great memories cousin.
Sharon and family,
I’m very sorry to hear about Jim.
I knew Jim when he worked for LPD and I was working for the Sheriffs Department.
I will always be grateful to him, for spending countless numbers of hours coaching Daniel in baseball. When Jim wasn’t coaching, he was calling balls and strikes. Jim was an excellent umpire, for kids.
Rest in peace, Jim.
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing…
Jim came and spoke to my 8th grade civics class at West Jr. High in the early 80’s…he left such an inedible impression on me to pursue public service as a police officer. I went on to a great career with the LPD and and had the chance to work with Jim at Southwest Jr. High while I was SRO. I will always be grateful the impression he had on me. Prayers and Condolences to the family. Jay Bialek
I remember having Mr. Frink for Integrated Tech at like the 4th quarter of my 8th grade school year. I did not know him extremely well but I also remember some of my friends had him for science and I remember seeing all the fantastic Rube Goldberg projects they made as well as the ones we made from Mr. Lassen’s class. Prayers and condolences for the Frink family at this difficult time and also everyone who knew him at SW.
I shared some wonderful memories with Jim during my time teaching at Southwest. He was so proud of his kids and grandkids and he just loved sharing about his family. He was always beaming with pride every time he got to bring Megan to Southwest Career Day and her session was always packed and he was glowing every time he got to sit in the stands with Derek to watch his granddaughter play. My classroom was attached to the woodshop so we often bonded during what we jokingly called “Rube Goldberg Season.” I am so very sorry for your loss. Jim will be missed.
My condolences yo the family. Reflect on the wonderful memories of him when you miss him the most. May God’s mercy, peace and strength be your comfort 🙏🏾
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. Jim was a wonderful person and a great teacher. A loss to everyone who knew him.
Jim Frink- a great friend (Jeepin Buddy), great neighbor, great partner to work with! My condolences to Sharon and their children…
My heartfelt condolences. My late husband, Rex Lane, worked with Jim on the Lawrence Police Department. Our family spent many hours with the Frink family when our children were young. Rex so enjoyed Jim’s wit, sarcasm and humor. Please know my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Sharon and Family: I’ve known you for 30 years.I feel like we are family. We have had discussions about all of your family and all of my family over the years. Richard and I want to express our deepest sympathy to you all. This breaks my heart. We will be here if you need anything and will pray for you and your family. We love you all. Take care, Love from Richard & Mary Ann
I have known Jim since grade school. We lived a few blocks from each other and grew up together often being linked alphabetically as I was Frank and he was Frink. Many fond memories of such a wonderul man who was taken too soon. I know we will all miss him. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
My words cannot fully express the sorrow I feel after learning about the death of your precious husband. As time allows you to heal, may you and your family treasure the wonderful times you have shared.
Bill and I are praying for God to grant peace and rest to you and your family.
Sharon, I heard about
Jim’s passing a few days ago, and you and your family have been in my thoughts every day since. My heart goes out to all of you, please know that you are in my prayers.
Dear Sharon, I am so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. I was absolutely shocked. May peace be with you. Hugs to all. Love,
Sharon Megan and Derek. I am saddened to hear about Jim. He truly loved to fill me in on the latest Frink going ons. May you find peace in your memories.
Joni Lawrence
Dear Sharon, The video was so heartwarming. I don’t think I really interacted with Jim, other than a couple of times at the studio, but I felt like I knew him because of your sharing stories of your life. I particularly loved how both of you loved to be together, doing things together, and enjoyed quietly share a glass of wine while looking at the sunset. Jim was a wonderful husband and father. I cannot imagine the depth of the families sadness about his sudden passing. You and Jim will be in my prayers.
Dear Sharon and Family,
We are so sorry to read about Jim’s passing. In the early 1990’s, he taught Taekwando to our sons, Justin and Matt. He had a wonderful way of teaching them the martial arts that gave them both the skills and confidence to break boards, be competitive, and earn their brown belts. We have pictures of Jim presenting them with each of the belts ,and the boys bowing to him in respect. He brought much joy to so many. We know he will be missed.
Marcia and Steve Riley