James Frieda of Bryan, Texas passed from this life to everlasting peace on September 4, 2019 in Bryan at the age of 79. Friends and family are invited to a visitation from 5 to 7 pm, Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, September 12, 2019 at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church with Reverend Daryl Hay officiating, interment to follow at Smetana Cemetery.
James was born on November 14, 1939 in Deanville, Texas to Ida Mae and Rudolph Henry Frieda. Growing up on the family’s farm, he developed a strong work ethic, tending to gardens, fields and animals. He attended Caldwell Schools and moved to Bryan in 1957. In April of 1958, he went to work for ALENCO and remained with the Architectural Division when that division was sold, continuing in the plant management of All Seasons Architectural Windows Manufacturing. Retirement was not a word in James’ vocabulary; instead he transitioned to part-time employment and remained on the job until very recently. For a number of years, he operated his own business, Form & Fab, custom-forming aluminum extrusions and building wood components for van conversions.
When he was not working, James enjoyed being outdoors. Younger days found him hunting, fishing and searching for arrowheads; in later years, he preferred observing wildlife to hunting. James loved playing baseball and softball, pitching in a number of leagues well into his fifties. He was a lifelong Astros fan, from the Colt 45 days. He enjoyed bowling especially with the Las Vegas Rollers. James enjoyed a good game of poker, whether at home with friends and family or in a Vegas casino. One of his favorite memories was of a recent trip to the casinos in Biloxi with his three sons. In his workplace and in all of these pastimes, he developed cherished lifelong friendships.
On November 8, 1986, James married Adrienne Rosson and they enjoyed thirty-two years of marriage. James was a loving husband, son, father, brother, uncle and friend. Family meant everything to him and his extended family included his friends, and those of his sons and of his wife. He will be deeply missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Herbert, Elroy, Rudy, Jake and Melvin Frieda, Bessie Duewall, Joyce Williams and LaVelle Ginzel, grandson Dylan Kyle Frieda, and mother-in-law Shirley Rosson.
He is survived by his wife Adrienne; sons and daughters-in-law Michael and Lucinda Frieda, Mitchell and Jennifer Frieda, and Christopher Frieda; grandchildren Tyler, Garrett, Taylor and Colby Frieda and Chelsea Huggins and husband Josh; father-in-law Herbert M. Rosson; sister-in-law Gladys Frieda, brothers-in law Herbert Rosson and friend Wendy Whittman, John Rosson and wife Meridith, and Byron Rosson, and numerous nieces and nephews, friends and his beloved granddog Brandy.
The family is thankful for the care provided by Dr. Joseph Brading, Dr. Erin Fleener and staff of The Cancer Clinic, and those who cared for James most recently at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and Hospice Brazos Valley Inpatient Facility. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice Brazos Valley, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, Aggieland Humane Society, or a charity of your choice
