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James Fried Obituary
Jim was born Nov. 16, 1947, in Cleveland, to Howard James Fried from Canton and Lola Lee Jolly from Fletcher, Okla. He lived part of his childhood in Ohio and part in Oklahoma.
He graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1965 and from Oberlin College with a major in history. During college Jim made several trips to Mexico, a country for which he had a strong affinity, and he developed a strong interest in Mexican history.
After Oberlin, Jim moved to Northampton where he worked as a compassionate caregiver for people with special needs, until a few years ago when he returned to Cleveland to care for his aging aunt, Lillian Brinnon.
Jim is survived by sister Leslie Therese Chance; nieces, Sarah Fischer and Elspeth Chance; nephews, Lance and William Chance; three great-nieces; and two great-nephews; and his beloved kitty Squirt, who has found a new home.
Jim was one the grandest characters you could ever hope to know in life, especially if you were one of the many children to whom he was an honorary uncle. He was truly larger than life. "El Rojo", for his flaming red hair, would always know more about various histories than almost anyone (Viva Zapata!). He had memorized more movie dialogue than anyone (especially The Duke's), was an expert level chess champ, and was also an expert about the space program, with incredible stories to tell, laughs to elicit and political arguments to lead. He was a dedicated proponent of civil liberties with a heart of gold for the less fortunate.
His teaching challenged many a Northampton High School student's mind, as well as the minds of his large and diverse circle of friends and those of his many adopted nieces and nephews. The children will also remember him for the amount of love he showered on them and his genuine interest in their lives even after they were grown. Jim marched to the beat of his own drum and gave others the courage to do the same. He is already deeply missed.
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Memories and Condolences
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Lydia Kapell
May 25, 2021
Still missing you buddy♥
Laurel Ferrera
March 9, 2019
Jim, or as we called him "Toto" was an Uncle to me, not by blood but the closest uncle I've had nonetheless. There was never a day that went by without feeling his love for me and family, nor did he cease teasing me, and telling me that I could achieve anything and everything, even if that to him was me going to space. He was the most supportive person and his love was endless, as was his love for old movies which I was forced to endure, but in retrospect, it was all for the best. As time goes by, memories fade. But I will never forever how he always told me how intelligent I was and capable and beautiful. He truly loved me and my family with all his heart just as if he were blood, as did we. Toto we will never forget you and we love you.
Laurel Ferrera
March 9, 2019
Jim, or as we called him "Toto": , was my uncle, not in blood, but uncle nonetheless. He was the most supportive, kind, and intelligent human I could ask for in my life. His intelligence was unparalleled, and his compassion infinite. He may have made me watch old movies, but he never ceased to tell me how smart I was and how much I could achieve. I will miss you my uncle <3
Jim Divoky
April 16, 2018
It is with great sadness I have learned of Jim's passing. Jim & I were good friends back during our college days in Cleveland back in the late 60s. He at Oberlin College and I at Western Reserve where he spent an inordinate amount of time. I'm not sure when he attended classes. Jim was definitely a unique person, "a hale fellow, well met" as they say. Unfortunately I lost touch with Jim when I left Cleveland for Kent, Ohio, in 1970 but I never forgot him. Reading the affectionate postings here gives me joy that my friend lived a life loved by those around him. I'm sorry I didn't share more of his special life.
Jenny Bourbeau
April 4, 2014
Jim was one of my best childhood friends, even though he was an adult :) He was one of my dad's chess buddies, and I remember spending entire days pal-ing around together... and when it was time for my nap, he would make a bed for me in the back seat (which mostly consisted of pushing clutter aside and covering me with his jacket) and drive in circles around Look Park telling me made-up stories about adventures in outer space until I fell asleep. Often, I would wake up in the parking lot of one of his favorite diners or lunch spots and when I made my way inside to find him, he would loudly announce my entrance... "Here comes Jenny, just back from outer space!" We decided that I would grow up to be an astronaut, and he made me promise (seriously...he drilled it into me) that when the tv cameras interviewed me after my first trip up, I would make sure to tell them that it was all his doing. I kept that in mind for years, that if I ever got interviewed when coming back from space, I would thank Jim Fried for inspiring me. I never became an astronaut, but there is no question that he left his mark.
J Edberg
March 14, 2013
I had the fortune of being his next door neighbor for his last years. What a great person! Had his shoes held together with duct tape the first time I met him. Meowed in the yard to call his cat. Yep, I miss him. This photo is him and another neighbor discussing politics...
Carolyn Seibold
February 20, 2013
Although I had known Walter since he was a toddler, I just learned of his death. He was a cousin, great with children, funny, bright & eccentric. He will be missed.
Lucas Hundley
February 15, 2013
My first memories of Uncle Jim are of his extensive Donald Duck Comicbook collection, which he ultimately gave to me. He was a bold and jolly man, and I cannot imagine him without his smile and deep chuckle coming to mind. I know a total of two people in the world who I can never picture without a smile on their face, and he is one of them. I am and will forever be an honorary nephew to this wonderful, eccentric, crazy old man!
February 14, 2013
El Rojo bought a horse from an old sidekick, a Comanchero, and rode off into the sunset to join the ghost-riders in the sky.
R.I.P., Jake
Jessica Hundley
February 14, 2013
I am one of those lucky adopted nieces who was blessed to have Uncle Jim as a wonderful part of my childhood and teen-age years. I remember him as a jolly red-bearded positive, always open - presence, a sweet man who taught me to love film and books and how to keep a smile on in the midst of the storm. He was an inspiration in his kindness, his gentleness and his beautiful open-armed embrace of everyone in his life. I will miss him.
Lydia Kapell
February 14, 2013
Jim was a family member of ours, not by blood, but by choice, a far greater tie. He showered us with love, could always cheer me up. His loss is great but his kinship far greater. I will miss and love Jim as long as I live
February 14, 2013
Jim had his feet on the earth and his mind in the stars, or with a child, or on his next chess move. He was truly unique, he made a difference, and he will be missed but never forgotten by those who knew and loved him. Thank you, Jim.
Dan Hundley
February 13, 2013
I knew Jim since 1974. His obituary is right on. We kept in contact pretty much until he went to Cleveland. He was a unique soul. Peace to his spirit.
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