10/2/2013
Sprint Source
In Memory of Frankie Miskimins
Contributed by Joanne Cram
If you’ve ever needed something at Jocko’s while you were at Knoxville Raceway, chances are, you met Frankie. You may not have known his name on your first visit, but guaranteed by the next time you came back, he knew yours- and what team you helped out. Frankie was the guy who always wore a smile, had a funny story to tell about his family, the one who offered you cookies while you were grabbing those race parts, hence the nick name “Cookie Man”. Frankie was a genuinely good man and a friend to all. When he stopped by our trailer in mid July to let us know that he wouldn’t be around anymore because it was time to take care of things at home- to spend as much time with those grand babies that he could- I didn’t realize that would be our final goodbye.
I can’t recall being at Knoxville Raceway without Frankie being there. I’ve been racing for many seasons with my brother, and now my husband- and honestly can’t remember Frankie and his smile not being a fixture at the Jocko’s Sprint Parts truck. We got to be good friends over the years, thanks in part to Frankie’s soft spot for kids. With two kids growing up at the track, Frankie was always sending me home with arms full of Pepperidge Farms goodies for the kids (and for their mom). He always took the time to ask about them, how they were doing in all the activities he knew they were in. My kids adored seeing Frankie too. When they came down to the pits after watching their dad race, after checking in with dad, their next stop was to go say hi to Frankie.
We all have favorite memories of friends we lose along life’s path. Frankie is one of those souls that made my trips to Knoxville Raceway a little better. I thank his family deeply for sharing him with us every Saturday night, and allowing his light to shine at Knoxville Raceway each weekend. He spoke of you all often when each of us visited the Jocko’s trailer. He was so truly proud of his son, Josh; his daughter, Jessica; his wife, Joni; and his prides and joys- Ryann and Frankie.
We will miss you Frankie Miskimins.
Frankie’s family will be greeting friends on Thursday, October 3, 2013, 5:00 - 8:00 pm. There will be a Service of Remembrance on Friday, October 4th at 10:00 am. Both services will be held at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue Des Moines.
Obituary, as posted on Hamilton’s Funeral Home Website:
Frank Miskimins, 58, was born on September 14, 1955 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Wendell and Esther Miskimins. He passed away at his home in Pleasant Hill on September 30, 2013.
Frank worked for Hy-Vee as a produce manager for many years and most recently, owned and operated a Pepperidge Farms franchise for 20 years. He loved his classic cars and attending car shows with is wife, Joni. Every Saturday you could find him - also known as the cookie man - in Knoxville at the Sprint Car races where he sold Jocko’s Sprint parts.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved spoiling his grandchildren and spending time with his family.
Frank is survived by his wife, Joni; son, Josh (Jacqui) Miskimins; daughter, Jessica (Lucas) Millage; grandchildren, Ryann and Frankie; father, Wendell; sister, Mary (Steve) Peterson, and his brother, Mike (Deedra) Miskimins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Esther.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 4, 2013 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. The family will greet friends on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family in loving memory of Frank.
On-line condolences may be made at
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