Jay Frank

Jay was born on June 5, 1939, in Pueblo, CO as the only child of Dr. J. Edward Frank and Elinor Claire Greer. His parents moved around quite a bit and Jay grew up in Ohio, Colorado, and Texas. After graduating from high school in San Marcos, TX, he studied for a couple of years at The University of the South in Sewanee, TN before transferring to the University of Texas in Austin. There he fulfilled his dream of becoming an architect. After graduating, he found employment in Dallas, TX where he specialized in designing medical facilities, churches, and libraries. He won several design awards, was a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and was a member of the Texas Society of Architects. He retired from his profession in December 2004.

Jay met his future wife, Mies Middelink from The Netherlands, in June of 1967 whilst both were vacationing on the French Riviera. Sparks flew and they were married in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel near Amsterdam on December 28, 1967. The couple settled in Dallas, TX, where they remained for almost 40 years. Their union produced two wonderful children, Kimberly and Bryan. They were his pride and joy. Jay was active in the Boy Scouts and spent several summers with his son at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM.

Retirement took them to North Carolina where they settled in Hendersonville, in the Carriage Park community. Jay joined the Ramblers Hiking Group and found his passion in hiking the many trails in the area. He was in charge of the Amenities Committee for several years before turning it over in 2017.

Jay died peacefully at the Elizabeth House on May 23, 2025, from lymphoma of the bone marrow.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mies Middelink-Frank, daughter Kimberly and her husband Paul Payton, and three grandchildren: Emma, Andrew, and Connor Payton. He is also survived by their son Bryan Frank.