James Frederick Fritz, 91, formerly of Marion, passed away on May 1, 2022 after an extended illness at the Valley View Health Campus in Fremont, Ohio. Jim was born in Bucyrus, Ohio to Frederick and Callie (Jacobs) Fritz. The family lived on a southside Beal Avenue farm on which the family herded dairy cattle and raised chickens. After WWII, the family purchased a farm southwest of town on the Wyandot Road. Jim attended the Mount Zion School. Active in FFA, Jim also played baseball and basketball. After graduating in 1949, he majored in Animal Science at the Ohio State University, Columbus Campus. He was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and the Air Force ROTC program. While a student, Jim met his wife Patricia Ann Rein who lived and worked in Bucyrus. They married in September of 1952 and resided in Columbus as Jim graduated in November of 1953.
Upon graduation, Jim entered officer training in the USAF and later completed pilot training. Jim, Pat, and their young family were stationed at the Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan from 1955 until 1956. Upon completing active duty, the family moved to Coshocton, Ohio where Jim worked as a sales representative for McMillian Feeds and continued flying for the Ohio National Guard in Mansfield.
From 1960 to 1964, the family lived in Northeast Ohio as Jim continued with McMillian Feeds. In 1964, the family lived briefly in Attica, Ohio as Jim began work for Plant Life Fertilizer Company of Marion. When Jim was promoted in 1965 to Sales Manager for Plant Life, the family moved to the home on Newmans-Cardington Road where Jim and Pat lived until her death in 2014 and Jim’s move to Fremont in 2017. From 1970 – 1974, Jim co-owned Farm Life Fertilizer Company. Subsequently he was employed by the Wyandot Popcorn Company as Operations Manager until his retirement. In retirement, Jim was engaged in commercial and residential real estate in Marion.
Lifelong Lutherans, Jim and Pat were active at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Marion, Ohio. He served multiple terms on Church Council, Elder, Sunday School Superintendent, and Luther League Advisor, and sang in the church choir. He lived his faith and for many years, began each day with the reading and study of scripture.
Jim also served on the Pleasant Township Planning Commission, loved working in yard and woods, and developed an interest in Ohio Native American and frontier history.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Pat, his parents, brother, George Fritz, and sister, Carol Ann Renner. He is survived by his sister Sharon (Doug) Ritze, his children – Fred (Kay) Fritz of East Lansing, MI; John (Diane) Fritz of Fremont, OH and Becky (Tim) Hale of Enon, OH. He and Pat were blessed with five grandchildren Karl Fritz, Chad (Ashley) Fritz, Eric (Stacey) Fritz, Olivia and Zoe Hale and five great grandchildren.
The family plans for a private interment at the Waldo Cemetery.
The family thanks the dedicated and caring staff of Valley View Health Campus for their care of Jim.
Memorials may be given to the Trinity Lutheran Church, Marion, OH.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family below.
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Beth Swalley
Fred, John, Becky and families,
My deepest condolences from the Jerry and Jane Hatcher family to yours on the loss of your dad, granddad and brother. I had the wonderful opportunity of getting to see Jim and Pat a few times as their Home Health Nurse and always enjoyed our visits. When Mom passed on 11/21/2021, I reached out to Ed Schifer to find out how mom and dad had met, etc. I knew that Jim was Dad’s best man but did not realize that he introduced them. I know Mom and Dad always enjoyed when they would get together with your Mom and Dad. Well, they are finally all back together again and enjoying each other’s company. I pray God provides you with comfort over the next few days and all the wonderful memories you have sustain you. Again, our deepest sympathies!
Craig and Chris Lichtenberger
John and Diane, Thoughts and prayers for all of your family.
Rick and Martha Myers
Rick and I send our sincere sympathy to you, John and your family, on your father’s death. You will be in our prayers. Sincerely, Rick and Martha.
Willis & Gwen Thomas, Marion, OH
Our blessings from our LORD, JESUS CHRIST and from us on the passing of your father. He had a great life and now free of earthly issues. We pray that memories will be long remember for the accomplishments that James achieved. Go with GOD and let GOD continue to guide you through the years ahead. Condolences to each of you.
Criss Fritz
So sorry to hear about Uncle Jim’s passing. I always knew I was loved as much as I loved Aunt Pat and Uncle Jim, he had the best hugs!! Sadly it’s been far too long since we all have sat down to one of those delicious meals and shared prayers and laughter. I wish I could come but I’m not feeling so well these days, God bless you all,I miss you, love you!
Jennifer Lynn Fritz- Dunlap
Hello to my cousins
I am sorry your dad passed away recently. He was well liked from all of us and always will remember his kindness and calm way he carried himself. I was unaware Pat had passed away and also so sorry of her death. We all have gotten into our family’s growing, forgetting about our own growing apart ,which is a shame. I love you all and hope you always experience love in your lives. Take care, Jennifer