James E. Frye

James (Jim) Edward Frye, age 65 of Hudson, WI, a beloved husband, dad, and grandpa, passed away on June 3, 2024, at Saint John's Hospital in Maplewood, MN. Jim was born on March 2, 1959, to parents Eldon and Donna (Marleau) Frye, and was a lifelong Hudson resident and dedicated his life to serving his community, exemplifying humility, dedication, and selflessness in all his endeavors. Jim graduated from Hudson High School in 1977 and was united in marriage to his wife Lori Brande on May 19, 1979. He began working for the Hudson Water Utility in 1980, eventually becoming the water utility chief operator and served in that position until he retired from the utility in July 2023 with 43 years of service. He followed in the footsteps of his dad Eldon Frye and joined the Hudson Fire Department in 1979 and was still actively serving as a member of the department for over 45 years. He served as captain, lieutenant, assistant chief, and later as the department's fire chief from 2000 to 2013. After serving as chief, he became the chief engineer for the fire department, teaching new drivers how to operate apparatus and performed routine apparatus maintenance. He was also the Division 143 MABAS (Mutal Aid Box Alarm System) President for Saint Croix County, an organization that provides a statewide system for mutual aid for fire, EMS, and emergency operational teams. He was an active member of the Saint Croix County Fire Officers Association, an advisory group that serves over local area fire departments in the county.
Jim received many accolades over the years including Hudson Fire Department Firefighter of the Year in 1986 and 2014, Wisconsin State Firefighter of the Year Nominee in 1991, State of Wisconsin 30th District First Responder of the Year in 2021, and Wisconsin Rural Water Association Operator of the Year for District 4 in 2023. The City of Hudson proclaimed Friday, November 19, 2021, "Jim Frye Day" for his commitment and service to the community.
Jim displayed unwavering dedication and commitment to the safety and well-being of others, ensuring that the residents of Hudson were always protected. His leadership was defined by his willingness to lead by example, always putting the needs of others before his own. This was true even at home, always taking care of his family first. In between fire calls, Jim was always committed to helping out his family with any home projects, and later on attending his grandchildren's events. Jim loved spending time with his family, enjoyed boating on the Saint Croix River, traveling with his wife, Lori, and in retirement, vacationing at his second home in Sun City West, AZ. His impact on the community and family is insurmountable, and his legacy of service inspires all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jim will remain in the hearts of his loving wife Lori Frye of 45 years; children Brian (Nancy) Frye, Dan Frye, Stephen Frye, and Amy (Anders) Birkland; grandchildren Leah Frye, Natalie Frye, Cason Birkland, Hallie Birkland, and a baby girl Birkland on the way; brothers Paul Frye and Mark Frye, and many other extended family members and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Eldon and Donna Frye.
The funeral services to honor Jim's life will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church in Hudson, WI, at 11:00 a.m, with Reverend Dr. Dawn Jeffers Ramstad of the Hudson United Methodist Church presiding. His visitation will be held Monday, June 10, 2024, at the O'Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, WI, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., as well as one hour prior to the service at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church on Tuesday. Interment will be at the Willow River Cemetery in Hudson, WI. Members of the Hudson Fire Department will serve as honor guard for Jim.