James retired as a fork lift operator from Food Marketing (SuperValu) in 2005 after 38 years of service. He was known by the nickname “ Duke” by all his family and friends because of his admiration for John Wayne and his movies. Jim loved sports and was a fan of Bobby Knight IU Basketball, the Detroit Tigers, and the Chicago Bears.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara A. (Carrion) Fry of Fort Wayne; sons, Bobby (Kami) Fry and Timothy B.(Heather) Fry, both of Fort Wayne; daughters, Lorie A. (Ken) Johnson of New Haven; Lisa M. (Clarence) Watkins of Waynedale; and Linnae K. (Richard) Stanley of Columbia City; thirteen grandchildren, Nykole, Nathan, Andrew, Joshua, Michael, Alexandra, Brittnie, Charity, Logan, Landen, Jordan, Cassidy, and Haley; seven great-grandchildren, Zander, Alexa, Emma, Sebastian, Emeri, Theo, and Noah; sisters, DiAnn Fry; and JoAnn Galuoppo, both of Fort Wayne, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service is 1 PM Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at D. O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home 1140 Lake Avenue with calling one hour prior. Calling also Tuesday, September 3, 2019 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Prairie Grove Cemetery.
Memorials to American Heart Association or National Kidney Foundation.
