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James Eugene Frye Sr.
James Eugene Frye Sr.
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James Frye Sr. Obituary
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of James Eugene Frye Sr., affectionately known as coach Frye. Born 7/12/37 in Scottsdale Arizona, Frye grew up in a farming community where he learned the importance of hard work that would set the stage for how he lived his life. He graduated from Scottsdale H.S., University of California, Redlands, and received his Masters degree from Arizona State University.
Coach Frye made a global impact through coaching, having coached in places such as Japan, Switzerland, France, Cape Cod, Alaska and Arizona. He was dedicated to the game, to his players and to the community. Frye was recognized for his coaching, how he supported and mentored his players and his professionalism. He was inducted into the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Mesa Community College (MCC) Hall of Fame in 2007. Just last year, in 2022, he was inducted into the City of Mesa Hall of Fame.
Frye was "no-nonsense" you always knew where you stood with him, he was firm, fair and fun to be around. Spending time with and coaching players was always a true love for him, he mentored and guided, coaches, players and students to achieve their best.
Frye leaves behind his loving and dedicated wife, Kay Frye and a host of friends and family that will miss him dearly. We are thankful that he is no longer in pain and resting with a higher power.
The family will hold a private memorial. In celebration of his life the family is establishing the James E. Frye Sr. memorial scholarship at Mesa Community College to support players to realize their dreams.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Herman, Ina, Janroelf and Gabriëlle Schreuder
February 11, 2023
Grief can be so hard Kay, but our special memories in Holland and with you in Arizona help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. We often think of you and Jim. All the best to you Kay and rip Jim.
With love Herman, Ina, Janroelf and Gabriëlle Schreuder from the Netherlands
Paul Spencer Peterson II
January 25, 2023
With deep sympathy and a heartfelt "thank you" to Coach Frye! What an amazing man who I had the high honor and pleasure to work with for several years at Mesa College! Kay, you and your entire family are in my prayers! I really loved Coach Frye, he taught me a lot for which I am truly thankful! May the sun shine warm upon your memory, The rains fall soft upon your fields of dreams, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand! Here's to you, Coach Frye (beer in hand, raising high a toast)!
Bethlyn Y. Mosley
January 25, 2023
Coach Frye will be my coach forever!!! He was the man... and I shall never forget him. My prayers are with his precious wife Kay and his entire family - RIP Coach.
martin allen stajduhar
January 24, 2023
From the time Coach Frye and Coach Brock came to my house to recruit me to play baseball at Mesa Junior College to the last time I saw him in Scottsdale Arizona at a luncheon. He always had that smile. What happy gentleman with a warm heart, who really cared about you as a person. You weren´t just an athlete to him, but a person. As they say, we are put on this earth with the lease. Coach Frye took full advantage of his lease and helped so many people in so many ways. I know I will miss him and I,m sure my old teammates, will too,(1970 in 1971 seasons). God bless you Coach my prayers will always be with you.
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Charlene Hess
January 24, 2023
Coach! What can I say? You were one amazing man and was honored to be to called your friend. I will cherish the times together working at the YMCA. I will never forget you giving me free tickets to the Cubs game which gave me the opportunity to take my grandson to his first major league game. Fly with the Angels Coach.
James T Gengler
January 24, 2023
To Kay and family. So sad to hear about the passing of my dear friend Frye dog!! Got to know him well after moving into the neighborhood in 80s and working out at fitness center at MCC.! We became instant, close, crazy fun friends from then on. Many a cocktail at my place down the street.
Even tho I moved away early 90s, always looked him up when visiting brother Bob.
RIP COACH!!
LOVE YOU.
Jim Gengler
Sonja Bedell
January 23, 2023
I did not have the opportunity to know Jim well, as I only met him a couple of times. But this much I do know. He must have been a wonderful person to earn the great love his wife, Kay, had for him. My sincere sympathy to Kay, the rest of his family and all his friends and those he touch during his time with us. May God bless you all.
Sonja Bedell
Rick Showers
January 22, 2023
I played for Coach Frye from 1976-78 at Mesa CC.
He was a exceptional teacher, motivator, but most of all, an inspiration for young men to become themselves.
deena pruett
January 21, 2023
I loved Frye so much!!
Sharon K Massey
January 19, 2023
Jim Frye was a life-time friend of the Hugh & Sharon Massey Family, and their Massey sons, Matt, Guy, Will & Cody. Jim & Hugh were toddlers together and whose families were close in their growing up in the '40's & '50's in rural Scottsdale & throughout their elementary & high school years. Teen life found him milking cows for local dairymen, working in hay fields, & eager to learn hard work was key to life. Jim enjoyed the good life of a small town like Scottsdale was back then. Always up to some jokes, teasing and pulling shenanigans on friends and others in his huge circle of family & friends--Jim was a happy-go-lucky and into mischief type of guy that brought laughter to many. Jim truly loved the sport of baseball, mentoring and working with ballplayers at all levels. A great coach with a heart full of love for the game of baseball. He will be missed and remembered! R.I.P. The Masseys
Bill Haggard
January 19, 2023
My sympathy goes out to the family, friends of Coach Frye. We go back to teaching at Chandler High School and then moved to Mesa College. He was one of the good guys. May he Rest In Peace.
Betty O'Neill
January 18, 2023
Please accept my sympathy. Coach Frye was one of the good ones.
Lorena Chables
January 17, 2023
Jim was such a wonderful person and I´m glad to have worked with him and the opportunity to get to know him!
My sincere condolences!
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