C. Frye James

1934 - 2021

Jim Frye (James Clifford) passed away on September 15th at home, his wife Michal at his side, following a long illness. He is also survived by his sons, Dan Frye (Wendy, James, Jon), Tim Frye, (Kari), cousin Don Frye (Kathy), and sisters Carol Davey and Darlene Erickson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and a great-grandson. He also leaves behind numerous loving friends and colleagues who helped make up the fabric of his life.

Jim's life was a journey of courage, hard work, and determination. Essentially raising himself, he made his way through an extremely difficult childhood.

Born in Spokane in 1934, he grew up during the depression and the second World War. As children, he and his cousin Don Frye, who was like a brother to Jim, worked odd jobs, giving their earnings to their single mothers. During that time period his mother married Clarence Dahlstrom who became Jim's "Pop," and who had an enormously positive effect in his life.

After proudly graduating from Rogers High School, where he now has his picture on the "Wall of Fame", he joined the Marine Corps. Driven to succeed, he studied hard, and during his three-year commitment, rose to the rank of Platoon Sergeant. Although he was actively recruited for Officers Training School, he decided to use the GI Bill to further his education.

Following deactivation, he entered Eastern Washington University, also working full-time at the White Pine Lumberyard. He and his sweetheart, Darlene Gerkensmeyer, married on June 7, 1958. They soon had their two beloved sons, Dan and Tim. Jim entered his career in education as an elementary teacher at Bemis Elementary School in Spokane. He went from there to Madison School where he was promoted to principal. That was followed by his principalship at Mullan Road School where he was so well-loved that when the district transferred him to his next job, the parents of the students went to the school board to plead for and receive an extension of Jim's tenure.

He next became principal at Whitman Elementary School. During that time, his wife Darlene, who had courageously battled cancer for years, passed away. The staff at Whitman were like family to him and gave him tremendous support during this time.

Several years later Jim hired a new fourth grade teacher. That teacher, Michal, and Jim eventually married on December 15, 1990. They were blessed with nearly thirty-one happy years of marriage.

Jim loved to golf, learning how to play as an adult. He and his good friends formed a men's group, the Bangers, and they played together for many years at area golf courses. Jim accrued three "holes in one during his golfing years!" When he married Michal he decided to teach her the game, which was not an easy undertaking at first. A good friend once jokingly told him that "He had better make the marriage work, because he didn't want to go through helping train another rookie!"

He loved Christmas. He decorated inside and out with enthusiasm and carefully chose thoughtful gifts for his loved ones. Christmas at the house was special for all who came because it was tradition that Jim make his superb brunch with special casseroles and all the trimmings. This was highly anticipated all year long.

Jim was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. Memorials for him will be announced at a later date.