James "Jim" H. Frink

James “Jim” Harry Frink, 91, Allouez, was the perfect example of a life well lived. He passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Jim was born June 29,1933 in Marinette, WI; the only child to Harry W. and Doris (Goodger) Frink. He grew up in the Green Bay Area and graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1951. 

Like most young men his age, he was drafted due to the Korean conflict and joined the U.S. Army where he was honorably discharged in 1961. Stationed stateside, he took his assignment and passionately strived to help those returning from Korea find a way back into civilian life. This drive established a profound work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life. 

After returning to Green Bay, he pursued several different jobs before finding his niche for business. In the 1970’s, along with a business partner, he was able to take over W.E. Thew Supply from its founder and became a proud and successful small business owner until his retirement in 1991. Jim wore many hats being a former member of the Allouez Kiwanis, past director of the National Association of Credit Management, treasurer of the Brown County Taxpayers Association, publisher and contributor of the “Tax Times,” and treasurer of Co-Care, Inc. to name a few. Throughout his life, he also worked hard to donate to many charitable causes including finding ways to preserve nature and other small organizations.

Jim married Norma J. (Pauwels) on May 21, 1966, at St. Boniface Church in De Pere, WI. Together, they shared 58 wonderful and loving years together where they raised two children, Mitch and Chrissy. Throughout their marriage, Jim’s adventurous spirit brought him and Norma to almost all of the U.S. states and many places around the world. Among his favorite places to travel were Maui and Greece, where the couple revisited on many occasions. While traveling, Jim often made a game of not waiting in airports, cherishing the time traveling with his family, often resulting in the family running and racing to their next destination, yet never missing a single flight or wasting a single moment of exploration. He also cherished years of long weekends “up north” at his cabin in Crivitz, WI where he could often be found boating, snowmobiling, driving his golf cart, hunting, spending time in nature, and enjoying an occasional Pabst. The people close to him know he was a wiz with numbers and trivia; completing puzzles with ease and always having the answers to Jeopardy. Jim was a kid at heart, he always kept up with technology and the next big “gadget.” He was often found on his computer writing and editing pieces for the Tax Times or playing a new game. Jim lived by his saying: “park your car in the direction you want to leave;” with his direction pointed towards family and ensuring those around him knew they had his unwavering support. 

Jim was a dedicated and selfless son, husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Norma, son Mitch, daughter Chrissy (Baker), and two grandchildren Megan Baker (Zak Parker), and Marley Baker. He is further survived by brother in law Al Pauwels, nephews Bob, Bill (Margaret), and Brian Pauwels and niece Julie (Dale) Hyska. He is preceded in death by his parents, mother and father in law George and Margaret Pauwels, brother in law Jerome Pauwels, sister in law Jeanne Pauwels, and son in law JR Baker. 

Family and friends may visit on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave De Pere beginning at 11:00am until 1:00pm with a funeral service to follow. Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Home Instead for their dedicated and compassionate care over the past years as well as Unity Hospice for their kindness and support during the past few months.