Francis "Frank" Gresham Janes III

Francis “Frank” Gresham Janes, III, of Clayton, Georgia, passed away on Thursday February 23, 2017 at the Habersham Medical Center, with his wife, Jane Edwards Janes, by his side.

Frank grew up in Bartow, Florida. Frank’s multiple educational accomplishments include graduating from Lakeland Regional High School, Florida State University, Tallahassee, with a B.S. and George Washington University, with a M.S. in Psychology. He carried on the traditions of his father by joining the Masonic Lodge.

Frank was known for his spirit of adventure. He enjoyed hunting doves, boating, and fishing in the streams, rivers and oceans. He recalled vividly childhood memories of the hurricane that hit central Florida in the 1940’s. In the wake of the storm, he and his father rowed a boat through the middle of the bank so that, according to his father, Frank would always remember the incredible storm.

His adventurous life included eight years serving in the United States Navy, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam Conflict. Frank enjoyed visiting Europe, initially during his service with the Navy, and again as a retiree. After his honorable discharge, Frank would move on to General Electric where he would work as head of the personnel department. He traveled in this position working in both the District of Columbia and the Bahamas. Franks professional careers would ultimately lead him to the formation of a printing business with his long time best friend David Johnson. Their success would see them opening a carpet business together as well. They would remain lifelong friends and enjoyed weekly telephone calls with each other.

He fell in love with the mountains of Appalachia while visiting Highlands, North Carolina, in the summers with his family, before returning south to spend the remaining months of the year in Lakeland, Florida. Frank met his wife, Jane Edwards, in 2002 at a 50th birthday celebration of Jane’s best friend, who had married Frank’s best friend from childhood. Frank and Jane remained happily together ever since, living in Matlacha, Florida before moving to Clayton, Georgia in 2006. Frank enjoyed the “country”, and was especially fond of the food and the slower pace of living. Living happily with nature, his friends and his family.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Judge F.G. Janes, Jr., and Elma E. Janes; his son, Francis Gresham Janes, IV; nephew, Ken Ferguson, IV.

He is survived by his wife Jane Janes, her son Andrew Johnston (Lesley); one sister, Martha Ann Ferguson (Dr. Ken) and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one aunt, Ruby Janes, of Gainesville, Florida.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 2 pm in the First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven 637 6th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881. Interment to follow in the Oaklawn Cemetery, Winter Haven, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in Frank’s honor to: Chapter CL, P.E.O. Ewing/Huffman Fund C/O Janice Claude P.O. Box 272 Otto, North Carolina 28763.

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