The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga softball program and the local community mourn the loss of Jim Frost, who passed away due to complications from COVID-19 Thursday morning. He was 79.
The Chattanooga, Tennessee native and owner of Frost Cutlery in Ooltewah, Tennessee, became heavily involved in the sport of softball and youth sports at the local and national levels in the 1980's due to his daughter, Stephanie Frost.
"It's unmatched what he's done," said Chattanooga softball head coach Frank Reed.
"His legacy is unparalleled to a lot of things people have done here for Chattanooga softball."
Jim Frost established one of the nation's top softball facilities right here in the Scenic City, achieving his dream of helping the youth in Chattanooga. The stadium started construction in 1997 and has been the forever-home for Chattanooga Mocs softball since its opening, with Jim Frost's name proudly attached.
For many years, Chattanooga has been recognized as the "capital" of girls' fast-pitch softball in the Eastern United States. Originally named the "Field of 1,000 Dreams", Jim Frost Stadium was created as a place to showcase talents of thousands of young women who dream of softball glory.
"Jim will never be forgotten for all he has done for this community through the game of softball. I can't imagine the game without him being involved," added Reed.
Jim Frost is also widely known as a leader in the cutlery industry, turning a hobby of collecting knives into Frost Cutlery, a multi-million dollar business which employs over 100 people on location of a 150,000 square foot warehouse.
The family will receive friends Thursday, January 14, from 4-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.