James "Fritz" Henry Aichele Jr.

Fritz was one of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Fritz was my mentor at OCRM as I completed my masters degree. I gained so many valuable lessons from Fritz, but the most important being the value of keeping a daily journal of notes. He was an incredibly generous and kind person, and modeled the kind of professionalism that I always aspire to. I wish for continued peace and light for his family.

I will miss you, friend. Love to Sandy and the girls.

Fritz was a fine man and a good friend. I am heartbroken that he is gone. I worked with Fritz at the Coastal Council, later known as OCRM, for 6.5 years. I spoke with him every day during that time. He taught me how to read a quad sheet, the value of cultural resources, the potential of geographic information systems, and more. After I left OCRM, I only saw Fritz during the summers at the Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market. As the years rolled on, I introduced him to each of my children as they arrived, and he introduced me to his beautiful grandchildren as they arrived. He was a wonderful conversationalist and story-teller. My favorite tales were the tragic and unusual demise of the SeeWee Indian tribe and the remarkable story of the origins of the Barbara Morgan camellia. The farmers market just won't be the same. I will miss his bowl of Asian pears in ice water and the perfectly sweet, tart, sun-ripened blueberries. I will also miss seeing his squeezer peach, the only one customers were allowed to test for ripeness. This protected the rest of the peaches from bruising. He was a perfectionist with his fruit. I will miss him greatly on this earth, but I can't wait to see him in heaven where I know there are Orchard Orioles and honey bees and sun-kissed strawberries and a pristine beach for surfing.

Sending my condolences to the family. I met Fritz while workin ar SC Coastal Council. Fritz was a wonderful kind person.

Very sweet man! Prayers for Sarah and the rest of the family!

I remember working with Fritz, his dad and Sandy for many years at Maple Ridge Farm and will always remember how good all of them were to me. I hope his family knows that I have always felt like a part of their family and will always love them and keep each one of them in my prayers through this difficult time in their life. If there is anything I can do, please let us know. Fritz will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Fritz.
Calvin and Sherry Paul

As the food editor of Chrleston magazine, I had many opportunities to talk with Fritz about his marvelous fruit. He was a wonderful grower and a wonderful man. He has been and will be missed.

I will always remember Fritz's great sense of humor and kindness to all as we made our way through high school at FB. So sad for his family and friends and all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Dale Carpenter Smith

From Ernie and Lou Cromer, we are so sadden at the passing of Fritz. He was a dear friend and I will miss sitting along side him during the summer months at Maple Ridge Farm. Fritz was a very intelligent farmer who was always thinking of new ways to grow more peaches and berries on his trees and bushes. Rest in Peace Fritz and I look forward to seeing you again in Heaven.