James “Jim” R. Frink

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.