James Joseph Friedrichs

James J. Friedrichs, 94, of Naples, Florida and Wolfeboro, New Hampshire passed away peacefully at home on December 7 under the tender care of family members and Avow Hospice.

Jim was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island and graduated from Amherst College (1952), Harvard Business School (1954) and Franklin Pierce Law School (1983). After serving his duty in the U.S. Army, Jim and his wife Aline settled in Poughkeepsie, New York where he became a Chevrolet and Mercedes Benz automobile dealer. He was very active as a community leader, serving on the Boards of the local hospital, bank and school board. He was instrumental in establishing Spackenkill High School in Poughkeepsie. He was a role model to his children, teaching them the importance of giving back to the community.

At the age of 49, Jim sold the dealership and moved to Wolfeboro, where he realized a life-long dream of working as a small-town attorney. He was also a member of the Florida Bar.

Family meant everything to Jim. In addition to his wife of 72 years, he is survived by his four children, 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Jim enjoyed exploring New England with his family as an instrument-rated private pilot. Photography was also a passion, and he spent many happy hours in his at-home dark room. He had a life-long love of the outdoors, and he treasured his time on the golf course with his friends and family. Over the years he learned to ski, sail, fly fish, and kayak. Together with his good friend Peter Cole, Jim helped to establish the "Pianos in Public Spaces" project in Wolfeboro. He also proudly served two terms as President of Bald Peak Colony Club in Melvin Village, where he was a member for more than 50 years.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Wright Museum of WWII (https://wrightmuseum.org/donate/) in Wolfeboro (of which Jim was a founding member) or Avow Hospice in Naples. (https://avowcares.org/donate-now/)