John Clinton Frank III

Left to treasure his memory are his parents, Ann Keating of Virginia Beach and Stephen

Frank (Elizabeth) of South Portland; his son, John Frank IV; his siblings along with their partners: Tessi and Mark Raudenbush, Brent and Kristen Frank, Michele and Chad Roberts, Whitney and Brandon Spontak, Kayce Keating and Timothy Robinson; his nieces and nephews: Matthew and Samantha Raudenbush, Kloee and Brogan Raudenbush, Jordan Raudenbush, Braxton Raudenbush, Hayley and Brady Frank, Christopher, Chase, and Caylin Roberts, Madilyn and Brynlee Spontak, Jesiah, Tiana, and Elijah Keating, Timothy and Kaycen Robinson; his step-brothers and their wives: Paul and Debra Coons, Todd and Angela Coons; his life partner of 16 years, Lisa Bussiere; sailors and friends he considered family, especially Barry and Kerri Johnson.

Upon passing, Jay was reunited with his second dad, Mark Keating, his grandparents, John and Aldea Hannah Frank, his grandmother, Marie Bernard, his stepbrother, Jeremiah Holmes, his stepsister, Samantha Smith, and many missed friends.

Named after his grandfather, Jay was born in 1974, the third child in what would become an expansive, close-knit, albeit blended family. He was born and raised in Maine until early adolescence, when he began sharing his time between there and Virginia, when his mom and second dad relocated there. Though his life began and ended in Maine, his journey brought him to call both places home.

Jay attended South Portland High School, where he poured into his first love—football. The highlight of his athletic career came with a storybook ending when he and his team defeated Bangor after five overtimes, winning the state championship in 1992. His triumphs as a Red Riot earned him a scholarship and the opportunity to play college football in Canada.

Ultimately, he chose instead to fulfill a higher calling, to serve his country, following in the footsteps of his namesake, his brother, and his second dad. Jay enlisted in the United States Navy and returned home to Virginia when he was stationed in Norfolk on the aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington. Known as the weight lifter, "Big Whiskey," he deployed twice, learning to sew as he fulfilled his duties as a parachute rigger. His years in the military were the source of his greatest pride in life. He created lasting connections with the men he served beside and was especially honored to serve at the same time as his brother and second dad.

Following his time in the military, Jay moved back to Maine where he spent the remainder of his life. He dedicated his time to the things he cherished most: his family, his music, and creating with his hands. His love and loyalty for his family was evident in the time and effort he invested in their relationships. He prioritized spending time together, creating lasting memories, showing up for both the big and small moments, and making the effort to stay connected to those both near and far. His commitment to those he cared about ensured that these relationships remained strong and enduring throughout his life. He truly understood the value of investing in meaningful bonds.

As a self-taught musician, he found joy in drumming and playing the bass guitar, letting music express his soul in ways words could not. His passion for woodworking allowed him to build beautiful, functional pieces, from his bed and picnic table to entire houses, each crafted with skill and attention to detail. His hands were not just tools for construction; they also held the delicate art of sewing and quilting, a talent he enjoyed sharing with his mom. This unique combination of artistry, craftsmanship, and love for family defined a life spent building—both physically and emotionally—lasting memories and creations.

In death, Jay has returned home to Virginia for the final time. He will be laid to rest near his second dad at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk. The family will receive friends at the service Friday, December 6 at 9:45am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate. The Gary Sinise Foundation has taken steps to address the mental health needs of our nation’s service members, first responders and veterans, through innovative and empowering treatment methods. The Foundation can proactively combat the range of Mental Health needs of our nation's service members, first responders, veterans, and their families.