James “Jim” Edwin Frederick, 82, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025, in Hastings, Michigan. He was born on December 29, 1942, in Plainwell, Michigan, the son of Arthur and Virginia (Lloyd) Frederick. Jim graduated from Allegan High School in 1961 and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry from Michigan State University in 1965. In 1985, he received a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma. Jim loved God, his family, and his country. He married the love of his life, Linda Lee (Arndt), on September 11, 1965. Together, they raised three children: Melissa (Sehbaz) Sabri, James Arthur (Lorinda) Frederick, and Amanda (Michael) Frechette. Jim lived a life marked by dedication and service. He proudly served in the US Air Force for almost 28 years, achieving the rank of Colonel before retiring in 1993. As an engineering officer, Colonel Frederick served in the 820th Civil Engineering Squadron (Red HORSE) at DaNang Air Base in the Republic of Vietnam; Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire; Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota; Kadena Air Base in Japan; multiple tours at Headquarters Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska; Yongsan Army Garrison in Seoul Korea; KI Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan where he served as the base civil engineer and commander of the 410th Civil Engineering Squadron; Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota where he served as the base civil engineer and commander of the 812th Civil Engineering Squadron; and March Air Force Base in California where he again served as base civil engineer and commander of the 22nd Civil Engineering Squadron; and Yongsan Army Garrison in Seoul Korea supporting the Republic of Korea / United States Combined Forces Command where he served as the lead American engineer. His decorations and awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with valor device and two oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze stars, the Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon with oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Longevity Service Award with five oak leaf clusters, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with bronze star, the Air Force Training Ribbon, the ROK Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After retiring from the US Air Force, Jim served as Director of Buildings and Grounds and interim Vice President for Administrative Services at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Illinois, for 10 years before retiring again in 2004. Upon retirement, Jim and Linda moved to Hastings, Michigan, and joined Hope United Methodist Church, where he held several positions, including Interim Chairman of the Board, Lay Leader, and choir member. During his retirement, Jim found joy in golfing and fishing. A dedicated golfer, Jim participated in multiple leagues until this past summer. His unwavering passion for golf led him to seek medical advice when the sport suddenly became challenging. This visit resulted in an early diagnosis of glioblastoma brain cancer in 2023. Jim proudly represented Pease Air Force Base in two Strategic Air Command championship tournaments. Additionally, he triumphed at the Spring Open at Grand Forks Air Force Base and competed for the Okinawa Team at the Fil-Am Invitational held at the Baguio Country Club in the Philippines. Jim’s family was his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He remarked just before his death that his grandchildren are “awesome.” Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda Lee, and their children Melissa (Sehbaz) Sabri, James (Lorinda) Frederick, and Amanda (Michael) Frechette; 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren – Hannah (Daniel) Collins and their child Emmett, Elizabeth (Jimmy) Heystek, Caleb (Laura) Sabri and their children Hosea, Zipporah, and Shiloh, Sarah (Nate) Hoekman and their child Charlotte, Megan (Michael) Mortensen, Virginia Kate Frederick, James Brian Frederick, Lindsey Frechette, Gabriel Frechette, and Abigail Frechette; and his sister Linda Kay Frederick. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Frederick and Virginia (Lloyd) Frederick-May; his brother Brian Frederick; and his sister Marcia Frederick. Jim leaves behind a legacy of love and service. He is deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him and serving God and country with him. A celebration of Jim’s life is being held at 11:00 AM on February 22, 2025, at Hope United Methodist Church in Hastings, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please take a child golfing or fishing! The family will receive visitors from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Services are provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.
