James (Jim) A. Frost

James A. "Jim" Frost 79, a resident of Harrison went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Thursday, January 7, 2021. Born November 13, 1941, to the late Margaret McGhee and James Austin Frost. 

Jim Frost began his career as a third shift worker at Farmers Chemical plant. Jim used his drive for success to create a new business venture, selling knives in his lunch bucket. By 1978, Jim was importing knives under the Frost Cutlery brand. As founder and CEO of Frost Cutlery he became affectionately known as "The Knife Man.” Even-though he began collecting pocket knives in1969 as a hobby, this small hobby quickly became a multi-million dollar business known worldwide in the cutlery industry. After fifty years in business,100 associates, the Frost family of brands encompasses over 50 world renowned product lines and is headquartered in its 150,000 square foot Ooltewah, TN. location. The business began in Jim‘s lunch bucket and quickly grew out of the trunk of his car, garage, and four increasingly larger warehouses. In 2004 Jim launched the inception of his multi-media TV show nationally known as “Cutlery Corner Network.” His passion for being on air became a way for him to touch the lives of his faithful viewers all over the United States. In 2013, a new 27,000 square foot showroom was added. “The Knife Shoppe” was established whereas knife enthusiast may shop for many major cutlery brands including the 50+ private labeled Frost family of brands. In 2011, Mr. Frost was inaugurated into the Hall of Fame College of Business at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He was recognized again in the 2019 publication of Profiles in Entrepreneurial Leadership 20th Anniversary album.

Jim “The Godfather of Softball in Tennessee” and founder of the highly successful Frost Falcons fastpitch softball organization was inspired by watching the youth of our community, develop their potential not only in the classroom, but on the softball fields. His daughter Stefanie was the first Frost Falcon. From the humble beginnings of the ball fields behind Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School, to the Tyner Recreation Complex where in 1988, with the help of the City of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Recreation Department, Mr. Frost and others were able to build a seven-field complex. Following, two additional complexes being built or renovated, to the 1998 world class softball facility built within the Warner Park complex stands the iconic “Jim Frost Stadium.” The inaugural game event in 1998 between UTK Lady Vols and UTC Lady Mocs was a sellout even with additional outfield seating to handle the demand. Since, Jim Frost Stadium hosted the USA Olympic team, many tournament and recreational games and continues to be the home for the UTC Lady Mocs. Seeing the once, “Stadium of 1000 Dreams” host thousands of young student athletes every year, made the vision of Mr. Frost proud to be a part of this community. Through the Frost Falcons organization he provided thousands of girls in Chattanooga the opportunity to play the game he so loved.

In 2013, Jim built the Frost Falcons Softball Academy in Ooltewah which has been used by local youth teams as well as college and high schools teams from all over the United States free of charge. Jim’s son Stephen has kept the legacy alive by being a coach for the past 14-years.

Many college scholarship opportunities have been awarded to student athletes impacted by his generous love and passion to give, so all could, have the opportunities to reach their potentials. As of two years ago Jim sponsored the first Frost Falcon baseball team in recognition of his 10 year old grandson Charlie.

His passion and enthusiasm for helping people through softball was infectious. An avid supporter of the game locally, regionally and nationally for more than three decades. Because of Jim, Chattanooga became known throughout the nation as a softball hotspot.

Jim has also been a strong supporter of Tennessee Lady Vols Softball during Ralph and Karen Weekly’s 20-year tenure, attending numerous games and helping build their Indoor Hitting facility.

ASA Hall of Fame; Nationally recognized with the Robert M. Artz Award for National Recreation and Parks Association

Jim’s philanthropy does not stop with his generosity impact to the youth and softball. Recently Jim donated 2 Million dollars to the new Children’s Hospital at Erlanger making a state of the art hospital, that will meet the needs of children for many years. In addition, because of his love and support for our military, Jim continues to support the UTC College of Business VEC Veterans Entrepreneurship Program.

Jim was a loving father, husband, and loved his grandchildren. He enjoyed working and did until the day he became sick. He also enjoyed fishing with family and friends, watching his grandchildren playing sports, cooking, traveling, supporting and attending the UT Vols games, planting flowers, and decorating for Christmas.

God blessed Jim Frost and in turn he blessed others. He made an impression on every person he came in contact with and he will never be forgotten. Though he may not physically be with us today, his legacy will live on!

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Beverly; son, Stephen (Angela) Frost; daughter, Stefanie (Gunnar) Durham; stepson, Parker (Courtney) Nicholson; grandchildren, Alexis (Mike) Salerno, Emerald Frost, Pierce Frost, Faith Alexander, Sarah Payton Durham, and Charlie Durham; and great-grandchild, Sofia Salerno; brother, Edward ( Ed) and Judy Frost and their children, Mike ( Toni) Frost, and Stacie ( Keith) Cole.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the Erlanger Staff, Doctors and Nurses you are all heroes!!!

Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Hospital at Erlanger Foundation 975 East 3rd St. ST B-508 Chattanooga TN 37403 or http://Erlangerfoundation.org.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be determined at a later date and published for the benefit of all of his family and friends.

Due to CDC guidelines, a private family service will be held 1 PM Friday, January 15, 2021, at the funeral home with Rev. Tommy Preston officiating. Friends are welcome to view the funeral livestream at www.heritagechattanooga.com. A private service will follow at the Hamilton Memorial Gardens mausoleum. Pallbearers are Todd Boone, Terry Duncan, Andy Edwards, Jay Haggard, Greg Holder, Bob Johnston, Mike Sarratore, and Cameron Thomsen. Honorary pallbearers are Jason Abbott, Butch Brown, Steve Chattin, Richard Childress, Bill Hullender, Ron Littlefield, David Ratcliff, Frank Reed, Ox Vandergriff, and Ralph Weekly.

The family will receive friends Thursday January 14, 2021 from 4:00-8:00pm at the funeral home. Arrangements are by the Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.

Click HERE to view the livestream