James Daniel Fried Obituary (2023)

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of James Daniel Fried, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Born on August 16, 1949, in Clara City, Minnesota, to Lawrence and Elbie Fried, James, affectionately known as Jim, passed away peacefully at his home on the Flying H Youth Ranch in Naches, Washington, on October 19, 2023. After a courageous 15-year battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving wife and family, he was sung into the arms of Jesus. Jim met and married Patty Jones in 1974 in Pine River, Minnesota. Their union was blessed with three beautiful daughters and two wonderful sons. Jim's early career saw him teaching in Fulda, Minnesota, where he also raised pigs. He taught another three years in Pine River, Minnesota, where he and Patty joined her parents in dairy farming. However, Jim's true calling was in Christian education, a path that led him and his family to the Flying H Youth Ranch in 1984. For 39 years, he dedicated his life to the ranch, teaching in both Nile Christian (staff and community children) and Hope Academy (boarding students), developing a deep love for connecting with the families who entrusted their sons to the ranch for a season. A devoted family man, Jim always made time for his children and relentlessly pursued relationships with them. He carried his family authority gently, but his loyalty, devotion, and dedication to his wife and children were unwavering. His children lovingly bestowed upon him the nickname "Lord James," a testament to the respect and admiration they held for him. Despite his strength and courage, Jim had two fears in this world: rodents and wearing shorts! These quirks only added to the charm and warmth of his personality, making him all the more endearing to those who knew him. Jim leaves behind his wife Patty; brother Larry (Glennyce); daughter Ruthanne Eberly (Drew) and their three children Luke (Sidney), Gina, and Estelle; daughter Sarah Forsman (Daniel) and their four children Grace, Clara, Clayton, and Gabe; daughter Joia Warriner (Bob) and their five children Leah, Hudson, Kailee, Audra, and Ellie Mae; son Daniel Fried (Christa) and their four children Judah, Selah, True, and Noble; son Jordan Fried (Emily) and their four children Addie, Ivy, Elsie, and Dietrich; also many cousins, nieces and nephews, former students, and a host of loving friends. His legacy of love, faith and dedication will live on in the hearts of those he touched. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life and the countless ways he enriched ours. We will remember him as a beacon of love, faith, and strength. His memory will continue to inspire us every day. Please join us to celebrate his life at the Nile Community Church (60 Bedrock Ln, Naches) on Friday, November 24th (the day after Thanksgiving) at 4:00pm. Dinner will follow, or what they call "supper" in Minnesota, being the farmer boy Jim was. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Please leave memories and condolences for the family at www.brooksidefuneral.com SERVICES Celebration of Life Friday, November 24, 2023 4:00 PM Nile Valley Community Church 60 Bedrock Ln Naches, WA 98937