James Wayne Fritz

Jim was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on 7 August 1944, the eldest son of the late Richard and Alice Fritz. Raised to work hard and never quit until the job is done, Jim graduated from Huntertown High School in 1962. Jim worked as plant manager at Sohigro, taught civil engineering labs at Tristate University in Angola, Indiana and physics labs at Grand Rapids Community College, and served the Grandville school district in food services. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he served in the youth organization and served as the youth DJ for many years. As a Wood Badge Scoutmaster for more than 25 years, and a member of the Order of the Arrow, James served to teach and raise hundreds of Boy Scouts.

Jim and his wife of 53 years, Jeannie, raised four sons: James Wayne II, Jeremy Wade (Brooke), Johnathan Willian (Janelle), and Jason Warren (Kate) in Angola Indiana, and Grand Rapids Michigan. He will be remembered by his wife, sons, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild as a hardworking father with a heart of gold and the hugs of a grizzly. The JWF clan will miss you greatly.

A Memorial Celebration of Jim’s Life will take place in the near future, with time and date to be determined. In honor of Jim and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Meltrotter.org. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.