Jack Alan Frank, age 67, passed away at home on Thursday, October 28, 2021, after facing pancreatic cancer with steady resolve for over two years. May Jack’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
Born December 4, 1953, Jack was a son of the late Leonard and Erica (Moore) Frank. He grew up in Hackettstown, NJ, and earned a BS in Forest Management from Cook College of Rutgers University, NJ.
Jack met his best friend and wife, Katherine, in 1974 while living in the same dorm at Cook College. Since their first date, their abiding happiness was sharing each day together. Jack was a devoted husband who loved his wife deeply. He described their life together as “wonderful”, and Kathe knew Jack as her north star and heart’s desire. One of their favorite activities was a daily walk and some in town knew them as “the walkers”.
Jack’s first forestry job was with the NJ Bureau of Forestry. In 1979 he began his career with the US Forest Service on the Mendocino National Forest in northern California. In 1989 he transferred to the Allegheny National Forest. Jack loved being in the woods and took pride in his work. In his early career he did sale planning and prep forestry in the field. In later years he worked with forestry databases and tree growth modelling. His favorite trees were White Pine, Doug Fir, stately tulip poplar and oak.
A gentle soul, Jack was a good man, kind-hearted and true. He had an innate curiosity about the natural world, astronomy, and science in general. He liked thinking about “big concepts”. He enjoyed being in the mountains, walking in any woods, looking at the night sky, listening to birdsong, and examining plants along the trail. Jack was a graceful downhill skier. He and Kathe had great fun skiing, camping, and exploring the landscapes of National Forests and National Parks in the USA and Canada. Among Jack’s favorites were Arches NP (UT) and Bighorn NF (WY).
Jack cherished his extended family and was especially close with his three siblings. He was proud of his nieces and nephews and enjoyed watching them grow up to become remarkable people. Jack treasured his friends and was blessed with lasting friendships from all phases of his life. Jack was happy sharing walks, talks, meals, campfires, music, car outings, outdoor adventures, city weekends, holidays and ordinary days alike with those he loved.
A car enthusiast, Jack owned three hobby cars over the years. With the help of car buddies, he completed frame-off restorations on two (roadster and hot rod) and thoughtfully modified a 1988 “track car”. Jack learned to be a good mechanic and an excellent fabricator. He paid attention to details, did research, and devised “elegant solutions” to auto issues.
Jack enjoyed “car cruising” country roads, and he and Kathe took multi-day road trips around western NY and PA in the hot rod. He embraced “performance driving” with passion, going to nearby road tracks to drive his track car during car club driving schools. Attentive to the physical layout and dynamics of each track, Jack became a skillful driver and earned praise from fellow drivers.
From childhood Jack rhythmically “drummed” on nearly any surface, and when he retired, he got a used drum kit and took lessons. He enjoyed listening to blues music. Jack had a sweet smile and was known for his subtle wit and spontaneous puns.
Jack and Kathe were strengthened by the steadfast love and support offered by family and friends during his illness. The Frank family Christmas at Chautauqua in 2019 was a special joy.
Left to remember countless happy days and cherish Jack’s memory are his wife Kathe, siblings Liz (Marc), Adrienne (Gary), and Gareth (Roxanne), niece Julia (Kevin), nephews Joseph and Matt (Jaime), 4 great-nieces and -nephews, cousins Nancy and Joel (and families), the Pullets family, godsons Dennis and DeWitt, dear friends near and far, his Forest Service family and car buddies.
Family memorial services will be private. Burial of cremains will be in Branchville, NJ at a later date.
Friends are invited to gather on Monday, November 8, 2021, at 1:00 PM at Chapman State Park (pavilion 4), where a Prayer Service will begin at 1:30 PM officiated by the Rev Dr. Matthew R. Scott, vicar of Trinity Memorial and St. Francis Episcopal Churches. Please observe appropriate covid precautions and mask wearing. In the coming weeks friends are welcome to invite Kathe for a quiet walk.
Jack was beloved and he will be missed in ways big and small. In lieu of memorials, please “pay forward” an act of kindness you’ve received or take a walk with someone you love. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com <www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com/> The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with Jack’s arrangements.
Jack was always a pleasure ro be around and to talk to. He will be missed greatly. Our sincerest condolences.
I was so shocked to see this! Jack was always so nice to me – pleasant, kind and joyful. He will be dearly missed.
Kathe: I would love to come to the Prayer Service for him, but am under “house arrest” because of Covid until the 10th, but I will be there in spirit. Please know that you have my greatest sympathy and condolences for your loss.
Hi Sandy — Good to hear from you, and thank you so much for your condolences. I will miss Jack forever, but am finding solace in remembering our years of happy memories AND in the kindness of your words. Thank you for being with us “in spirit” on Nov 8th.
Kathe,
We met a few times on Jack and your walks. Both of you have so many interests in life and it was fun to talk with you two. We will meet again walking and enjoying nature in Warren County.
Phyllis Wright
After the initial shock, I feel a profound sadness for the loss of such a good person. Jack will be missed.
Today I found out about Jack’s passing. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I worked side by side with Jack creating the models for the ANF Forest Plan. Jack developed the forest growth files that were the backbone of the decision support models I built. Jack was a true pleasure to work with. His humor would make a day bearable when everything seemed to be falling apart. Jack’s devotion to Kathe was evident from the first time I met them both. His eyes lit up every time he saw her. I will be at the memorial service. Kathe, I am so sorry for your loss.
Rest in peace Jack Frank. You loved Kathe and the blues and going too fast in cars. Thank you for all of your care and guidance over the years. I will miss you.
Kathe,
I was saddened to learn of your soulmate’s passing. Soon after your moving to Warren, we met on the TAWC bus and I remember meeting your husband on the bus later when he started working at the same location you did. May The Lord Jesus comfort you in your sorrow.
Kathe, our thoughts and prayers are with you on this day as you celebrate Jack’s life and the memories he left behind. I know you have been with him faithfully throughout his treatment and his brave battle with cancer. My heart hurts for you now, but I know you have hope and your faith will see you through the coming days and beyond.
Dear Kathe, we send our support and sympathy to you upon the passing of Jack, such a gentle soul. Although we now live in Bedford PA our thoughts bridge the miles. Hold tightly to the fond memories Mother Nature gifted you two to share. karen and Mark Davis, your painting buddies
Kathe and family, sending you all much sympathy, love and wishes for many happy memories with Jack. Know his loss is felt near and far. We didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but I felt we worked through that. A fondest memory was when we attended a Wilderness workshop in the UP. At the time, the song ‘Jack and Diane’ was still airing. Well, to say the least, fun was had by all with various renditions! Next time I’m in Warren, we’ll raise a glass, take a walk, or just be. Take care and peace to your hearts. RIP Jack.
Kathe,
I just learned of Jack’s passing today. Know that your in my thoughts and prayers during this time. I have the best of memories from my time on the Allegheny. I recall working with Jack and the data recorder. You have my deepest condolences,
Greg
Hi Jason, Randy, Sandy, Phyllis, Dan, Bill, Dennis, Hollister, Sherry & Gary, Karen & Mark, Diane and Greg — So good to hear from all of you! Some of you Jack/I’ve seen recently, some of you we haven’t seen in years, but I am touched by each and every one of you reaching out to me. Thank you, all, for your condolences. Thank you, all, for sharing sweet memories of Jack and Jack/me together. I will miss Jack forever, but find solace in remembering our many years of happy days and fun adventures AND in the kindness of family and friends. Am grateful you took a minute to comment and share your kind words with me. Remembering Jack with joy, Kathe