James Wright Frederich

James Wright Frederich, affectionately known as “Jim,” “Opa,” or simply “JW” (because, as he liked to say, he was “Just Wonderful”), passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, in North Kansas City, Missouri. He was 95 years old, and if you knew him, you know he made every one of those years count.

Born in Cole Camp, Missouri, Jim had a deep love of country from a young age. At just 16, he became a Corsair mechanic in the United States Marine Corps and served aboard aircraft carriers Saidor, Boxer, and Badoeng Strait in the Asiatic-Pacific theater during WWII. He liked to say he enlisted young because he “didn’t want to miss the action,” and that energy never left him.

After the war, he went on to KU’s pharmacy school (courtesy of the GI Bill), launching a career as both a pharmacist and an entrepreneur. He wasn’t just in the business—he led it. He served as president of the Kansas City chapter of the ACA, the University of Missouri School of Pharmacy Foundation, and the Kansas City Pharmacy Buying Group. When he wasn’t filling prescriptions, he was making deals, cracking jokes, or winning at poker.

But Jim’s greatest hand in life wasn’t at the poker table—it was taking the hand of his sweetheart, Elizabeth Sue Rapp, in marriage in 1951. Together they spent 73 and a half years building a life full of love and laughter. They raised four wonderful children, who in turn gave them 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Jim believed his greatest investment was in family, and it continues to pay dividends through the generations who carry on his legacy.

Jim knew how to enjoy life. He was an original Kansas City Chiefs season ticket holder in 1963 (back before it was cool), a die-hard Kansas Jayhawks fan, and golf enthusiast. He never shied away from a poker game, loved watching old Westerns, and was a competitive Wii bowler at Riverstone Retirement Community. With a keen eye for investing and an even sharper wit, Jim had a way of turning strangers into friends wherever he went.

Beyond his business success and legendary storytelling, Jim was a man of deep generosity and community spirit. He was a proud member of the Rotary Club, the VFW, and a dedicated bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Jim lived with a giving heart and a twinkle in his eye.

A celebration of Jim’s remarkable life will be held on March 19 at Newcomer White Chapel Funeral Home in Gladstone, MO. Visitation begins at 11:00 AM, followed by a service at 12:00 PM. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Leavenworth Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers (t2t.org) or Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City (rmhckc.org).

Jim Frederich lived life like a high-stakes poker game—full of confidence, charm, and just the right amount of risk. Jim was, simply put, Just Wonderful. He never did anything halfway, and he wouldn’t want us to remember him with anything less than a smile. So in his honor, tell a great story, make a bold move, and always, always remember to laugh.

Descendants List:

Children: James (Mindy), Kimberly, Jeff (Megan), Christopher

Grandchildren: Jason Frederich, Norman Smith III, Josh (Erin) Frederich, James Caleb (Brigitte) Frederich, Whitney (Joe) Filley, Brenna (Tory) Clark, Taylor (Whitney) Frederich, Zach Frederich, Jacob (Pamela) Frederich, Carlissa (Ben) Jenkins, Isaiah Frederich, Camille Frederich, Benjamin Frederich

Great-Grandchildren: Porter Filley, Lucas Filley, Halen Smith, Bode Smith, Rileigh Joy Frederich, Talan James Frederich, Maya Frederich, Jack Jenkins, Josh Jenkins, Lucas Frederich, and one on the way.