Jim Freng

James (Jim) Arnold Freng was born in Wenatchee, WA, on April 19, 1927. He was raised by his loving parents, Walter and Belle Freng. His earliest years were spent in Wenatchee, WA. He later moved to Yakima, where he graduated from Yakima High School in 1945. In Yakima, he met his lifelong friend, Bill Wolsborn. They remained the best of friends until his death. Jim's early passions were his dog, Duke, playing basketball, and playing his trumpet in a variety of bands. After graduation, he was immediately drafted into the Army in July, 1945. He was assigned to the army band, playing his trumpet, at Camp Roberts and Fort Bliss. After discharge, he attended the University of Washington on the G.I. Bill, majoring in music and education. In 1948, he met the love of his life, Shirley Jacobson. They later married on June 16, 1950, at Central Lutheran Church in Seattle. As newlyweds, they lived in Moxee, WA, where Jim taught elementary, Jr. High and high school bands. After two years, they moved to Edmonds, where he was hired as the Edmond's School District's second band and orchestra teacher. During his 37 years teaching in Edmonds, he taught at Lynnwood Jr. High, College Place Jr. High, Madrona Jr. High, and multiple elementary schools.

Jim was the proud and loving father of three children, Steve Freng (Emi), Sandy Klein(Greg) and Tom Freng. He also was the proud and loving Grandpa to Kris Freng, Tyler and Ryan Klein and Teresa Mizuki. Jim loved spending time with his children and grandchildren - attending orchestra concerts, soccer games, wrestling matches, basketball games and family birthday parties. His only regret leaving this world was leaving his family.

Jim had many passions in life including playing his trumpet. He played in many jazz and dance bands throughout his life. After playing high school, the army band during WWII and at the UW, he participated in the Jackson Street music scene in Seattle. It's here that he played with many talented musicians including those who went on to noteworthy careers in performing and recording. Later, he was a part of the 1962 World's Fair Marching Band, participating in parades and daily events. His World's Fair Band uniform is on display at the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle. He played in the backup band for Elvis Presley in Seattle in 1962. He played in the Cascade Symphony for many years. He was still playing his trumpet in a jazz band as recently as Christmas, 2008.

After retirement, Jim developed a passion for woodworking and golf. He spent many hours in his woodworking shop in his backyard. Over the years, he built furniture, kitchen cabinets and custom gifts for family and friends. His children are blessed to have homes filled with his custom wood furniture. He was also passionate about golf. He faithfully golfed several time per week with his two golfing buddies, Gene Edwards and Dick Nelson, for many years. He was the rare golfer that found it more enjoyable than frustrating.

Those that knew Jim knew him as a quiet and kind person. He quietly modeled a life of integrity, character and kindness. He never said a bad or unkind word about anyone. He was generous with his time and money. He modeled faithfulness and fidelity as a husband, married to Shirley for nearly 60 years. He was a loving father. He was a kind and faithful friend. His quiet determination and discipline was most notable as he overcame the devastating results of polio as a young man. He carried that same determination throughout his life.

Jim's life on earth ended at Virginia Mason Hospital as a result of complications from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, at the end of his life, he was certain of his Christian faith and looked forward to meeting Jesus and his family and friends in heaven. He fought until the end, but finally surrendered peacefully to enter eternity. We, his family, look forward to meeting him there in the future. We thank God for Jim's presence in our lives and we will miss him immensely.