James Leonard Frick

Jim Frick, 70 of Grants Pass passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at his residence in Grants Pass.

Born November 29, 1952, in Santa Barbara, California.  Jim graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1970.  In 1976 he earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science from Oregon State University while working as a fisheries aide for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.  After completing his degree, Jim worked as a fish & game officer for the Oregon State Police.  Jim moved to Cave Junction in 1976 to purchase and run the Holiday Motel in Kerby, Oregon with his father, Leonard Frick.  

He became a licensed Real Estate Agent in 1978 and ultimately a Broker in 1981.  Jim enjoyed a successful career in real estate earning prestigious awards including Realtor of the Year.  He remained an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing throughout his life.  Jim was also a talented musician; he played the French Horn beautifully and dabbled in all the brass instruments, the trumpet was always his favorite.  

Jim became a proud Father in 1988 when his son Brandon was born.  In 1996, Jim met Karen Johnson whom he always said was the “love of his life”.  They were married in 1999, and at that time he became a bonus Dad to her sons, Shawn and Ryan.  

He enjoyed golf and was a member of the Illinois Valley Golf Association for many years.  He also played softball and was a member of local softball leagues in his younger years.  In his down time, Jim loved to spend time with his beloved dogs, Daisy May, Snoopy, and April.  

Jim generously donated his time, talent, and treasure to various local organizations throughout the valley including the IVHS Wrestling team, Asante Family House, Josephine County Republican Party, Cave Junction Chamber of Commerce, the Boys and Girls club, the Rogue Valley Association of Realtors, the Oregon Association of Realtors, and Securing Our Safety.  Jim was a member of the Lions Club of Cave Junction for many years and continued to announce the parade and Tuff Trucks event for the Labor Day Festival.  Jim previously served as a board member for the Boys and Girls club and as chairman of the Southern Oregon Resource Alliance and Josephine County Republican Party, and as member of the Rotary Club of Illinois Valley.   

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Frick, and his mother, Barbara Frick.  He is survived in death by his wife, Karen Frick and sons, Brandon Frick (Megan), Shawn Johnson, Ryan Johnson, and grandson Braden Frick as well as his sisters, Linda Grant (Chesley) and Connie Christiansen (Chris), and many nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Parkway Christian Center, Fellowship Hall, 229 NE Beacon Dr., Grants Pass, OR 97526.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to the following organizations:  Illinois Valley High School (Wrestling), Josephine County Animal Shelter, Rogue Valley Humane Society, and the Asante Foundation (Family House).