James Russell Frank

James Russell Frank, 85, of Homosassa, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026. Born on January 17, 1941, in Dayton, Ohio, Jim lived a full and generous life defined by curiosity, service, craftsmanship, and deep devotion to family.

Jim grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and later graduated from high school in Brecksville, Ohio. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Education from Hiram College and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. He also pursued post-graduate studies at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana.

For 39 years, Jim dedicated himself to public education, inspiring generations of students with his enthusiasm for science and discovery. He taught in Denver, Colorado; at Willoughby High School in Ohio; at Ft. Myers Middle School and Suncoast Elementary in North Fort Myers, Florida; and later served as a Science Education instructor at Gulf Coast University in Ft. Myers. Earlier in his career, he was a summer camp counselor at Red Oak Camp in Kirtland, Ohio, and Director of Harkness Camp in Willoughby Hills, Ohio—roles that reflected his lifelong love of the outdoors and mentorship.

A Golden Apple Teacher finalist numerous times, Jim received special recognition for his innovative use of technology in the classroom. A committed member of professional teacher associations, he was selected in Ft. Myers to assist with development of the critical Calendar Committee. His teaching extended far beyond textbooks. He once took a group of fifth-grade students—who had never experienced it before—to Disney World for a weekend they would never forget. His elementary classes constructed life-sized endangered marine mammals from wood and paper, first displayed in the school cafeteria and later relocated to the lobby of the new airport, where they hung for years. His students also built 3-D wooden American Pioneer homes exhibited at the school board office, and high school classes planted trees on campus that now stand tall decades later.

Perhaps his most profound single moment as a teacher came when he saved a choking fifth-grade student’s life by inverting the boy and performing the Heimlich maneuver, clearing his airway and restoring his breath. It was one of many quiet acts of courage that defined Jim’s character.

Athletic throughout his life, Jim participated in all secondary school sports except swimming and competed in soccer, track, swimming, and diving in college. His cherished Hiram letter jacket remains a symbol of those vibrant years.

Jim’s hobbies reflected his boundless energy and creativity. He loved fishing, woodworking, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. For 50 years he raised show-quality Irish Setters, along with English Cocker Spaniels and one beloved little Chiweenie (he was famously allergic to cats—no cats!). He had a gift for repairing old outboard motors and bringing them back to life.

A skilled craftsman, Jim was knowledgeable in plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. He served as general contractor for the family’s second home in North Fort Myers and taught himself solar power systems to electrify their off-the-grid cabin in McGregor Bay, Ontario. Most recently, he transformed an old cedar rowboat into a canopied, solar-powered boat that would run as long as the sun shone—an apt metaphor for the way Jim himself seemed energized by light and possibility.

Jim met his beloved wife of 63 years at Hiram College, Elizabeth “Betsy” Frank (from Warsaw, NY), sharing a love of travel and adventure. Together, Jim and Betsy explored Canada and all 48 contiguous states in their RV, returning often to Yellowstone National Park. Traveling companions included Irish Setters, English Cocker Spaniels and a beloved Chiweenie (Jim was famously allergic to cats—no cats!). They cruised to Alaska, Antarctica, South America, Holland, and Norway, and enjoyed guided bus trips through Central America with dear friends. Ever supportive, he also served as official photographer while Betsy, an avid bird enthusiast, scanned the cloud forests of Ecuador through her binoculars.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Betsy; his sons, Richard S. (Audrey) Frank and Robert E. Frank; and his grandchildren, Rusty Frank and Elizabeth Frank. His lively mind, generous heart, mechanical ingenuity, and unwavering dedication to students, family, and friends will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, Jim suggested that donations in his memory be made to National Audubon Society or Save the Manatee Club.

As one friend beautifully wrote, Jim had a lively mind with many interests. He leaves behind not only a legacy of teaching and service, but forests planted, boats rebuilt, students inspired, lives saved, and a family who will forever be grateful for the steady light of his love.