On Sunday, March 7, 2021, James “Jim” F. Fritz, loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away at the age of 90. Jim was born on September 24, 1930 in Pontiac, Michigan to Gerald and Leora (Lalone) Fritz. He dropped out of high school to join the Air Force and served during the Korean War. He later obtained his GED and took some required college courses to fulfill his life-long dream of becoming a police officer. In the early 1950s Jim joined the Pontiac Police Force where he rose through the ranks and ultimately retired after 30 years. In 1972 Jim met the love of his life, Frances (“Fran”), and after a 2 year courtship they married on March 16, 1974.
After retirement Jim wanted to move to a warmer climate, so he and Fran moved to Ocala, Florida in 1987 into a subdivision known as Saddle Brook (later changed to Saddle Oak). Retirement didn’t slow him down much. He worked part time for Wells Fargo delivering currency to banks and businesses for 4 years, served a term as president of the homeowners association, worked the night shift at the security gate of Saddle Brook, and helped start a neighborhood crime watch committee. Also, together with Fran, they joined “Project ‘PUP'” (Pets Uplifting People) and spent 17 years volunteering in nursing homes assisting with events for the residents. Jim also served as a “pet evaluator” for Project PUP to evaluate and approve the dogs that were then taken into nursing homes to visit and bring joy to the residents. Jim lived a full life and spent the remainder of his days in the same home in Saddle Oak.
He is survived by his loving wife, Frances, 8 children, Gena (Robert) Miller, Melissa (Samih) Ksar, James (Bonnie) Fritz Jr., Thomas (Karen) Powers, Tamara (Robert) Warren, Brenda (Dennis) Fritz-Farr, Cheryl Bruce and Darryl (Tonya) Fritz, 25 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Jim in death are 3 brothers, Edward, Robert and Gerald, 1 sister, Mildred Cutajar, and 1 grandson, Daniel Day.
Jim was a hero to many and had the gentlest of hearts. He will be greatly missed. A Mass is scheduled for April 9, 2021 at Noon at Queen of Peace Catholic Church Ocala, 6455 SW State Road 200, Ocala, FL.