James "Jim" E. Fryman's Obituary
FRYMAN, James “Jim” E., age 88, of Bellbrook, passed away Monday, September 2, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Jim graduated from Stivers High School, class of ‘54. He honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He had great pride in his country and being a veteran. He was a member of the Kettering American Legion Post 598. One of his most treasured memories was being part of the Dayton Honor Flight. Returning home from the war, he worked at NCR until 1974. For over 20 years, he was a school bus driver for Beavercreek Local Schools and helped with transportation, especially with the Special Needs Regional Center. In addition, he also owned his own moving business. He was a member of the Dayton Masonic Chapter, the Scottish Rite, the Antioch Shriners, and the Shriners Bobbie Unit.
He lived life to its fullest and never took a day for granted. He was the life of the party, a great entertainer, and the ultimate prankster. He loved to laugh and tell jokes and stories. He was known for hiding a rubber snake to scare others or mailing items from other locations to make people question what they received. He was not a fan of being serious and was notorious for joking about everything. He loved acting like he had a claw and ran after the grandchildren. He was well known for his deep voice booming, “Glad you got to see me!” When he was done at an event and wanted to go home, he would simply reply, “I walk,” and head home. He never wanted anyone to fuss about him, and once he made up his mind, there was no changing it.
Monthly he received a magazine about old classic cars. He had a collection of classic cars and even a Ford Model T. He appreciated a fun round of golf when he was younger. With his friends from the Shriners, he enjoyed fishing in the Everglades for Grouper. In addition, he cherished the memories made in Canada fishing for Walleye. He was a good cook and loved to cook sauerkraut and polish sausage. He adored classic toys of years gone by. He collected anything and everything; you name it, he collected it. He had a large selection of clocks and funny wall art with quotes. He was very proud of the "empire" he had created in the pole barn in his backyard. Family was a huge part of his life. Family was not just an important part of his life, but it was everything. He loved hosting Christmas every year at his house and having everyone be together during the holiday. Jim would create nicknames for all of his family and friends. He had a big heart and was very caring. If anyone ever needed help, he gladly stepped in and assisted them. He was passionate about hosting get-togethers and cookouts where his family and friends could hang out. Jim had an incredible memory and was the best storyteller. His favorite part was being able to get people to laugh continuously. Among many things, he will be remembered for loving his wife beyond measure, his pride and love for his family, and his prestigious handlebar mustache.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances, in 2000; two sons, Jimmy Fryman and Bob Fryman; and his parents, Herbert and Dorothy Fryman. He is survived by his son, Tom (Linda) Fryman; daughter, Linda (Chris) Blake; five grandchildren, Bradley (Katie) Fryman, Mitchell (Amber) Fryman, Crystal (Tom) Harnish, Ray (Sarah) Watts, and Rhonda Mauer; 12 great-grandchildren, Emily Watts, William Watts, Hannah Watts, Tommy Fryman, Garrett Fryman, Nancy Fryman, Aria Fryman, Maya Fryman, Leah Fryman, Cali Harnish, JT Harnish, and Lexi Harnish; and one brother, Harold Fryman.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10 AM on Monday, September 9, at Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook. Celebrant Brian Bennett will officiate the service. Burial will be in Bellbrook Cemetery. The family will receive friends and family from 6 to 8 PM on Sunday, September 8, at the funeral home. If desired, contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children. Condolences are available at www.connerandkoch.com.
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