Frank James Nackos

Trying to sum up a life in just a few paragraphs is not easy, especially when reflecting on Frank and his 86 years. Born on July 20, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Frank James Nackos passed away on December 26, 2025, in Payson, Utah.

The third of eight children, Frank was born to James Charles and Tena Stevens Nackos. He grew up in Utah, Washington, Oregon, and California. His family life was not traditional, and those early experiences shaped his independence and outlook. As a young man, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1960 to 1962 in the German-speaking areas of Switzerland.

While attending Brigham Young University, Frank met Kaylene Jones. They were married on September 14, 1963, in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After living in California, Washington, and Texas, they returned to Springville, Utah, where Frank taught at BYU. Together, they raised eight children: Lisa, Jordan, Matthew, Alina, Theo, Milo, Marinos, and Alexander. Their family also includes 25 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Frank was a devoted father who loved his family, worked hard, and helped others.

Frank earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Brigham Young University and later completed a master’s degree in sculpture at California State University, Long Beach. His teaching career included positions at Yakima Valley Community College in Washington and later at BYU in Provo. His work is held in collections across the United States.

Known for his classic minimalist style, Frank created several well-known large-scale public sculptures, including Tree of Wisdom on the BYU campus, Rainbow Cloud at the Utah State Hospital, Continuum In Transit at the Ogden International Transit Center, and Lines of Flight at the Brigham City Courthouse.

Curiosity guided much of Frank’s life. He followed discoveries and developments closely, wanting to understand how the world was changing. Learning, meeting interesting people, and visiting new places brought him great joy, and he hoped to see where new ideas and innovations would lead.

Throughout his life, Frank remained dedicated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Kaylene served a mission in the Minneapolis, Minnesota Mission. His service also included many callings, among them bishop in Springville and later service in the Provo and Payson Temples.

Reflecting on a life reminds us that none of us walks our path alone. The influence of those who teach us, support us, and walk beside us shapes who we become. Frank’s legacy lives on through his family, his faith, and his work. He will be missed.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many friends and loved ones who visited Frank over the past year. Your time, stories, and presence meant a great deal to him and to those closest to him.

True to Frank’s nontraditional nature, his farewell will be the same. Instead of a formal funeral, the family will gather to celebrate his life with a party during his birth month of July, complete with Greek food, music, and time together—just the way Frank would have wanted.

To leave condolences, visit www.legacyfunerals.com