James E Fry, Sr. (78) died on Monday, July 30, 2012, after a year long battle with brain cancer. Jim was born in Philadelphia, Pa. to the late Clayton Joseph Fry and Edith Brendlinger Fry in 1934. His parents, younger brother and two sisters moved from the east coast to Fresno after World War II. His two older brothers would join the family in Fresno after being honorably discharged from the United States Navy.
Jim graduated from Roosevelt High School. Jim married Frances Elizabeth Newberry in 1954. The couple had two sons. The couple separated in 1998.
Jim worked as a brick mason for several years before injuring his back. His work is on display all over the Fresno area, but most notably the Three Little Pigs display at "Storyland" in Roeding Park. He went on to a career as a real estate agent/broker for over 40 years.
Jim followed his brother-in-law into an active membership in the Exchange Club. During that time in the Fresno club, he spear-headed several annual holiday food drives, working with other club members in collecting and distributing Thanksgiving meals to the less fortunate.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Frances E. Fry; and older brothers, Clayton Joseph Fry, Jr. and Robert Fry. He is survived by his son, James E Fry Jr. and his wife Melanie of El Dorado Hills, Ca.; son, Matthew S Fry of Clovis, Ca.; sister, Marion Fry, a missionary in Manila, Philippines; brother, Rev. Alban Fry of Carson City, Nv.; and sister, Eileen Porter of Madera. He is also survived by five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
A Graveside Service will be held at Fresno Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 175 S. Cornelia Avenue in Fresno on Saturday, August 18, 2012, at 10:00 a.m.
More information can be found by contacting the NEPTUNE SOCIETY OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA 1154 West Shaw Avenue Fresno, California (559)222-7764
by Jack W Porter, Jr.
