Frank James Augusta Jr., 81

Francis James Augusta Jr. “Frank” was born Aug. 20, 1941, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and passed into the arms of Jesus on June 30, 2023. His parents were Francis James Augusta Sr. and Constance (Arstick) Augusta. Frank suffered from dementia and Parkinson's disease for 2 ½ years and was ready to go home to his Lord.

Frank enjoyed many years of working for the phone company, beginning as an installer for New York Tel and ending as a supervisor for AT&T in Portland, Ore. He met his wife, Laura, in 1983 through work and they were married in 1984.

In the 1960s, he served our country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany until he was honorably discharged.

Frank was an avid lover of nature and animals, volunteering at the Humane Society and supporting them faithfully. He turned our garage into a cat rescue and adopted out over 100 cats and kittens, which he cared for lovingly. We have always had a variety of cats and dogs in our home.

Frank was known for his sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He would tell “tall tales” with such sincerity that people believed him until they found out he was pulling one over on them. He was also known for his kindness and extreme generosity. Frank and Laura opened up their home to more than 30 people over the years, helping those who were struggling financially and young women who needed a safe place to live. Some of those people became lifelong friends. Whenever he heard of a need, he immediately wanted to help meet it. He even helped several people buy homes.

He was an extremely devoted husband to Laura and an “adopted father” to Joshua McKain. Through Josh, he also became a beloved grandfather known as Poppi.

Frank’s life verse for the past 10 years was 2 Timothy 4:7 — “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Frank is survived by his wife, Laura; brother Paul (Terry) Augusta; sister-in-law Zoe Elizabeth von Beck; son Joshua McKain; grandchildren Allie, Sophia, Logan, Peyton and Taylor; nephew Michael; niece Pam and their families.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 18, at Hayden Bible Church, Hayden, Idaho, at 290 E. Miles Ave. with a reception to follow.