James Jim Paul Freda Sr.

James (Jim) P. Freda, Sr. of Yakima, Washington, passed away on December 30, 2013. Jim was born in Denver, Colorado on June 15, 1923 to Vincent Joseph and Bertha Marie (Schott) Freda. The family moved to Long Beach, California in 1935. There Jim attended and graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School in 1941, where he served as Student Body President. Jim married Gloria Joanne Goldhammer on December 2, 1944 in Long Beach. Jim and Gloria raised their family in Long Beach and Seal Beach, California. They relocated to Yakima in 1999.

Jim served as a pilot in the US Navy from 1941 to 1945. Thereafter, he was employed by Mobil Oil in Torrance, California from 1946 to 1982, when he retired. At the time of his retirement, Jim was the only non-engineer and non-college graduate to have served as a shift supervisor at Mobil, being responsible for all refinery operations. After his retirement, Mobil twice requested that Jim return to service. His first return was to oversee a refurbishing project at Mobil’s Torrance refinery. The second return was to oversee the training of workers at Mobil’s refinery in Coryton, England.

Jim and his family attended Lakewood First Presbyterian Church in Long Beach from 1952 to1966, where he served as an Elder. Jim and Gloria attended Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Rossmoor from 1966 to 1999. Upon relocating to Yakima, Jim was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, now Yakima Covenant Church, where he served on committees and as a deacon and made many dear friends.

Jim was very active in his children’s lives. His involvement included serving as a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout leader, and many other activities. He loved to travel with his family in their camp trailer, the highlight for the children growing up. Jim and Gloria continued these travels together, including several cruises and trips in their motorhome.

Jim was, above all else, committed to his family, always his number one priority. He unconditionally loved and supported his children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews (to whom he was beloved “Uncle Jimmy”) throughout his life. Jim’s home was always open to friends and family alike, and a friend of any family member was a friend of his.

Jim is survived by four children: James P. Freda, Jr. (Susan) of Portland, OR; Michael A. Freda of San Jose, CA; and Nancy Freda (Craig McDonald) and Joanne Freda of Yakima. He is also survived by six grandchildren: John Freda (Coco); Chris McDonald (Kristin); Ben Freda (Ivy); Alice Freda; Joseph Freda; and Emily Freda, as well as five great- grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Gloria, his sister Dorothy, and his brother Richard.

Jim’s family wishes to thank the staff at Highgate Senior Living-Yakima for their skillful and sensitive care provided to Jim over the last two years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Yakima Covenant Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

A Celebration of Life will be held February 1, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Yakima Covenant Church.