James Fred "Jim" Fry

James Fred "Jim" Fry, 83, of Battle Creek died peacefully, with his family at his side, on Sunday, April 26, 2015, at Bronson at Home Good Samaritan Hospice Residence.

Jim was born June 3, 1931 in Jackson, Michigan to Fred and Mildred E. (Sawyer) Fry. He came to Battle Creek with his family as a child. Jim was a 1949 graduate of the W.K. Kellogg Rural Agricultural School and served with the U.S. Navy. In the early 1950's he owned and operated Fry Brothers Service Station on the corner of Columbia and Capital Avenues. After selling the station, he was employed at the Kellogg Company from 1960 until retiring as a supervisor in production in 1989.

Jim was united in marriage to the former Margaret Norien Chochoff on June 15, 1952. Sadly Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Margie on September 20, 1992. Surviving are his children, Christopher J. (Kathleen) Fry of Battle Creek, Pamela (Joseph) Weakley of Marshall, Timothy (Catherine) Fry of Ceresco; nine grandchildren; 19+ great-grandchildren; two brothers, Floyd (Jean) Fry of Richland, Daniel (Mary) Fry of Washington State; a sister, Judith (Gordon) Hart of Bellevue; his current wife, Donna B. (Wright) Blue Fry; two stepsons, Rick (Brita) Blue and Doug (Cynthia) Blue all of Battle Creek and their families. In addition to his wife, Margie, Jim was also preceded in death by his parents, a great-granddaughter, Ashley Marie Fry; a sister, Dorothy Warren; a brother, Carl Fry and a special friend for years, Marlene Leonard.

Jim was proud to be a retiree of the Kellogg Company and was a member of the Kellogg 25 Year Club. He was a former 10 year member of the Harper Creek School Board and a avid Harper Creek Band Booster. He was a member of the Wattles Park Men's Club and a 4-H Horse Leader. Jim enjoyed bowling, camping and loved being on the water in his boat. Jim was an avid Univ. of Michigan fan and he looked forward to and planned the annual UP deer hunting trip with his sons. His life was about family; more than anything he loved following and attending his grandchildren's activities.

Friends will be received 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2015 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Funeral services will be officiated by Pastor Matthew Hall of the First Baptist Church of Marshall 12:00 noon Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the funeral home. Military honors by the U.S. Navy and interment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be made to the "Ice Machine Fund" for Bronson at Home Good Samaritan Hospice Residence, 166 E. Goodale Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.