Dr. James Douglas Frey, DDS

Dr. James D. Frey, DDS, of Fort Wayne passed away on March 11, 2025. Jim was born in Williamsport, PA on October 15, 1936, and was the oldest child of Don and Barbara Frey. The family moved to Fort Wayne when Jim was a young boy. Jim graduated from South Side High School in 1955, lettering in basketball and golf and being recognized in the National Honor Society. Jim attended Indiana University where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity (FIJI), received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959, and was accepted into the IU School of Dentistry. While in dental school, Jim became certified by the ISHAA and served as a basketball referee for over 15 years.

In 1956, Jim met the love of his life at the Orchard Ridge Country Club pool where he worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor. He and Judy (Hicks) were married in 1959 and raised their family in Fort Wayne. Their amazing marriage bond lasted for over 60 years until Judy’s passing in 2020.

Jim earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1962 and began practicing dentistry in Fort Wayne, serving his patients for 40 years. His dedication to his profession was reflected in the numerous leadership roles he held locally with the Isaac Knapp District Dental Society, at the state level with the Indiana Dental Association (including President 1994-95) and the IU School of Dentistry Alumni Association (including President and the 1989 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award), and nationally with the American Dental Association (including 15 terms delegate, and Chairman of the Council on Government Affairs 1998-2002). After retiring from private practice, Jim continued serving the local community by seeing patients at the Matthew 25 Dental Clinic, where he also served on the Board of Directors. He and Judy received the ”Fabric of the Community” award in 2014 for their service to the Clinic. In recognition of his service to the State of Indiana, Jim received the prestigious “Sagamore of the Wabash” award in 2016.

As a loyal IU alum, Jim attended hundreds of football and basketball games over the years, including trips to the Maui Classic, NCAA Final Fours, as well as being in the stands when the Hoosiers captured the National Championship in 1987. He also loved spending time and hosting family and friends at Clear Lake, and visiting the beaches of Hilton Head Island, SC and Chic’s Beach, VA.

Jim was a devoted supporter of the academic, athletic and professional endeavors and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his daughter Catherine (Joseph A. Christoff) and sons David (Gail) and Timothy (Terri). He is also survived by grandchildren Mitchell and Natalie Christoff; and Justin, Amanda, Jared, Peyton, Meredith, Nathan and Mason Frey. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Christopher, sister Diane and wife Judy.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to Matthew 25 Health and Care in Fort Wayne (https://www.matthew25online.org/support-us) or the Beechwood Educational Foundation (https://bef.zetafiji.com/mission/how-you-can-support-bef/). Arrangements entrusted to D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, IN.