James Robert Fry

2015 - 2015

James Robert Fry left this world to a better place in heaven with our Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, after two and a half years of battling cancer. He was born May 11, 1937, in DeKalb, Mo., to James and Charlotte (Mallory) Fry.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Sarah (Doug) Grider and Joann (Dencil) Gerlt; both brothers-in-law; his father-in-law, Kenneth Deller, and mother-in-law, Thelma, both of Michigan; and all three brothers-in-law, Bob and Pete Deller and Dean Sears.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Gloria (Deller) Fry of their home in Farmington.
They met in Albuquerque and after a short courtship, married in Las Vegas, Nev., at "The Hitchin' Post." They were and will always be each other's best friend. They had many sorrows and joys but always faced them hand-in-hand together.
He is also survived by his children, James Fry of North Carolina, Vickie (Joe) Fileccia of Texas, Jeanne (Kerry) Winchell and Robert Fry. He had six grandchildren and always wanted more; Andrew Rogers, Nicole Rogers, Justin Fry, Kelsey Fry, Adam Winchell and Zachary Winchell.
Jim went into the Army at 17; his parents weren't too thrilled. He was shipped to Puerto Rico, where he stayed for three years as an MP. He was honorably discharged directly to Chicago, Ill., in the dead of winter. He belonged to the Operating Engineers Union for 33 years. He was a heavy equipment operator. He then worked for 16 years for the city of Farmington in Animal Control/Park Ranger. He loved working there. He retired at 65 from the city. Jim belonged to the Shriners, was past-Exalted Ruler for the Elks Lodge 1747 and was a Mason.
Dad loved his family very much. He also loved to fish, play cards and fiddle in his work shop. He really enjoyed woodworking and building whatever our Mom wanted. It was always something. You could always find him in the yard taking care of Mom's roses; he hated her roses.
He loved the Lord and enjoyed the friendships he made through church at FUMC Farmington. He enjoyed his Emmaus brothers and his Monday mornings "guy" breakfasts.
Thank you to Dr. Jeff Neidhart and staff at the Cancer Treatment Center.
Daddy will be greatly missed. We love you!