John Fritts

Thanks for the memories and friendship. Rest in Peace my friend.

Pat Glaunert

Wow,
This hits me hard. I was lucky enough to speak to John a week before he died. From speaking to him that day, you would not have believed he was so close to passing. It really brings home how we are all mortal. John was the type of guy you thought would live forever. I have known John since I knocked his glasses off going up for a layup in a rival 8th grade basketball game. We became great friends in high school and became doubles partners on our tennis team. John and I could talk sports trivia on any sport for hours, especially tennis, on our numerous road trips. We were both recruited to play college tennis at Bradley University, but John took another path, but we always stayed in touch. I will miss you bud.

Condolences to his brother Steve and to his daughter Kym.

I first meet John freshman year high school, 1966, Peoria (Central) High School. We were close friend though out high school, part of the usual suspect group. Having great friends like John, even though you may not talk with each other for month, or years, at a time is what adds value to your life. I last talked to John the day before he went into hospice. He called me with the sad news. That's what friends do, it's just a matter of respect for each other. Deepest sympathy for Steve and the daughter and grandchildren and the great grandchild. John called me with the great grandchild news. John lived life without fear. It was a privilege to be his friends.

John mobilized a manhunt to track me down after about 10 years where he was unable to get ahold of me. No landline. His source found my wife's cell # and our friendship continued. That's John. He was the glue that kept all of our MSU friends in touch with one another. He would share stories from 50 years ago of our escapades or craziness as if it happened yesterday. We would laugh non-stop at his detailed story telling. It was great to see him these last few years in St. Pete and Tampa with friends CA and Dickey. John was always so positive and laid back. Sadly, the Cat, as he is know to us, used up his 9 lives. We'll miss you.
Scott Brown AKA Superman

From another former UofL Tennis Coaching family member, Coach Fritts you will be missed. I have heard a lot about you from your friends, Coaches Kevin Walsh and Johnny O´Brien. Thank you for laying a good foundation to the UofL Men´s Tennis program. Sincerely, Rex Ecarma

"The Cat" is a legend, sportsman, friend and a great guy. A lot of memories,.WEEMO

I am blessed for having a friend like John. I always looked up to him. I always wished I could play golf as good as him to. I will always have those great memories with him on the golf course. All my memories of John were good ones. Thank you John for all the good advice and great conversations. God bless, my friend. You will truly be missed.

My deepest condolences to the family. I met John while playing on the tennis team at Memphis State. We all had nicknames and his was the Cat named for the movie Fritz the Cat. He was a great teammate and a even better friend for over 50 years. Whenever we would lose touch we would track each other down and catch up. Although he is in God´s hands he will be missed.

John was a great friend, and my coworker. We played golf together frequently. We would do sports trivia every morning at work starting at 6am. I heard all of his great stories sometimes twice. They were so that good you didn´t mind hearing them again. What a great friend who will be missed dearly!

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Going to miss my friend John loved playing golf with him and going out back after and watching sports on the big screen always loved talking trivia my friend John cared about people and would always reach out his hand whenever asked to do something rest in peace my friend I know you're a Believer so I'll see you in heaven

My thoughts and prayers go out Johns family.I was very Blessed to have John in my life he was a great friend. We had such great conversations we played a lot of golf together, which was always enjoyable. Watch a lot of games which came with lots of sports trivia. John was a very caring person and will be greatly missed. I have fond memories. God bless my friend.