James Clifford Frey

Austin lost an original on August 17, 2022 with the passing of James Clifford Frey. James was born May 18, 1937 in Austin to Henry Frey and Cleo Caswell Frey as the sixth of eight children. His childhood was spent exploring beautiful Shoal Creek and playing in Ramsey Park. James graduated McCallum High School in 1956 where he played football, ran in the Texas Relays, participated in choir, served as a class officer, among other activities. James served in the US Army and Army reserve until being honorably discharged in 1964. Following in his father’s footsteps, he pursued a career in plumbing and pipefitting as a loyal member of Austin’s Plumbing and Pipefitter’s Local 286. His multiple decade career contributed to the growth in Austin’s semiconductor industry and impacted many professionals under his guidance. Those lucky enough to work for James knew they were going to be held to a high standard and in return they would be kept safe and well supported.

In 1967, he married the love of his life, Zella Sawyer after a whirlwind courtship in Indianola, TX. James often reflected that he knew he had to marry her if he was going to get her to Austin. Zella happily accepted the adventure and moved to Austin with James where they welcomed four children to whom they devoted their lives. James embraced Zella’s deep roots on the gulf coast and started a seasonal shrimping operation that allowed the family to spend quality time together on Copano Bay and surrounding area. James was an excellent shrimp boat captain when he listened to Zella.

Always the builder, James spent his retirement building homes for his children, restoring antique tractors, and tackling the most complicated puzzles that his grandchildren could find for him. He enjoyed his time on his farm in the hill country with bird feeders and wildlife. His experiments with amateur beekeeping often provided comic relief for Zella, and they both determined that his skills were best suited for tractors and hers for the bees. When asked the secret to their 55 year marriage, his answer was simple: projects! However, even a casual observer would see the deep respect, love, and warmth in their marriage that endured all highs, lows, and in between.

James is survived by his wife Zella, children James Frey Jr and wife Donna Karen, Will Frey, Clint Frey and Courtney Kieke and husband David, grandchildren Hannah, Jack, Madelyn, Cody, Gibson, Kiptyn, Peter, Bobby, and Grant, and great grandson Aiden.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Westphalia Historical Society and the Church Rebuilding project. Checks can be mailed to (Please make note the contribution is in remembrance of James Frey):

Westphalia Historical Soc., Inc., 166 CR 3000, Lott, Texas 76656

Online donations can be made by selecting “church rebuilding” using following link: https://abundant.co/cofvwestphalia/give