James Frost
James B. “Jim” Frost was called to his heavenly home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 25, 2020, at the age of 86.
Born on Jan. 5, 1934, Jim accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior as a young man, having been introduced to Him by a nurturing family who trusted and loved God with a deep abiding faith. Jim invited Jesus into his own heart and so allowed his life to become a “Bethlehem” for the Son of God, and a place of the “rebirth” of Christ in him. Thus, God calling Jim home to Himself on Christmas Day was further evidence of Christ’s living presence in Jim’s life.
Jim had an infectious personality and engaged people with a heart full of love, an encouraging smile, and a joyful attitude, no matter how challenging life may have been at times. He met the setbacks that he encountered in life with courage, and a trust and faith in God to always see him through. Jim lived his life with a steadfast belief that “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”.
Jim was a certified public accountant in Chattanooga for over 50 years. He graduated from Red Bank High School in 1952 where he excelled in playing football, baseball, and basketball. Sports were always a big part of Jim’s life as he coached and mentored his son and other young boys in Dixie Youth baseball for many years as a young adult.
Jim graduated from the University of Chattanooga in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business as an accounting major. He received the award for being the top accounting student in his graduating class. Out of his love for the university, in 1986 he established a scholarship fund to be given to the top accounting student at UTC on an annual basis.
Jim began his business career in the financial department of Volunteer Life Insurance Company as an internal audit manager. Jim was driven to chart his own destiny in business and, in 1961, he founded his own accounting firm as a sole proprietor. In 1963 he was joined by his brother, Jack, and the firm of “Frost and Frost, CPA’s” was formed. Together, they built a strong financial services business during the decade of the 1960s.
In 1969, Jack left the firm to pursue other business interests and Jim remained as the Managing Partner of “James B. Frost, P. C.” with multiple partners for 15 years. Eventually, he sold his interest in the firm to the other partners. Later, Jim joined his son, Bob, and wife, Lavone, at the “Frost Company” and continued his career serving clients with his financial skills, but more importantly, with his positive outlook on life reflected in his ability to “look on the bright side” of whatever difficulties came before him. He retired from the firm on April 16, 2014.
During his career, Jim purchased four other firms to grow his practice and operated satellite offices in Cleveland, Athens, and Jasper, Tennessee. He deeply loved his work and the people that his business afforded him the opportunity to build relationships with. He was truly a “relationship” guy who enjoyed being with people as they enjoyed being with him.
Jim was active in civic endeavors with memberships in the Chattanooga Jaycees, the Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Red Bank Lions Club.
Jim, and his wife Lavone, have been long time members of First Baptist Church of Chattanooga and the Waters Sunday School Class, where they developed countless long term friendships and faithful supporters through life’s journeys.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred “Sally” Frost and Chester Frost, former Hamilton County Judge, and his brother, Jack. The Chester Frost Park of Hamilton County was named in honor of Jim’s father.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Lavone, daughter, Kathy Baker, son, Robert “Bob” (Heather) Frost, and grandchildren, Mary Jane (Jason) Broge, Mark Hendrix, Tiffany (Jackson) White, Hayden Frost, Preston Frost, and great-grandchildren, Parker Broge, Emma Jane Broge, Hannah Kate Broge, Josiah Broge, Lily Hendrix, and Liam Hendrix.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Chattanooga and steadfast caregivers, Rosa Clark, Shelley Morgan, and Justin Clark.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, 401 Gateway Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37402.
Due to the situation with Covid matters, the date and time for a memorial service to honor Jim’s life will be determined at a later date, and published for the benefit of all of his family and friends.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.