James Lee Fry

December 3, 1951- November 29th, 2023

Jim passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his family. Jim was born in logging camp 51 in the forests of Idaho to Richard "Dick" and Maybel Fry and was the oldest of his five siblings (Earl, Kim, Glenda, Mark and Scott). Dad would often tell stories from his childhood of playing cowboys and robbers with his brothers. One story had a hang 'em high ending that almost ended younger brother Kim. He also told us of Galiceno horses he loaded into the back of a Chevy El Camino to bring home much to the surprise of his parents. You could say that being born in a logging camp predicted his lifelong love of the woods and the timber industry. Jim would continue as a miner in Metaline Falls, WA, a logger, sawyer, railroad worker, scrapper and sawmill owner. Jim loved the Pacific Northwest and was proud to have lived and worked here his whole life. He spent the last 35-plus years on a homestead he and his wife Lesa built from scratch with little money and lots of love using boards sawn from one of his mills and old-fashioned hard work. Jim created and built many sawmills during his career and was always working on the next bandsaw mill, circular sawmill or planer. Jim was an amateur gunsmith and would work tirelessly fixing and modifying old Mauser rifles into new creations. Jim instilled his love of the outdoors into his children and grandchildren with frequent hunting and fishing excursions. He loved to fish for "brookies" and would take a break from his work in the woods to cast his fishing line into small cricks with the hope of hooking one. Known for his suspenders and "logger pants" Jim always worked hard to take care of his family and friends. He had a sense of humor that often drove his family crazy with a sudden goose followed by a loud bark he would make us laugh in exasperation. Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

James leaves behind his beloved wife of 46 years Lesa and his daughters Jamie, Brandi, Samantha, and Rachel his brothers Kim and Mark. Jim has 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his mother Maybel and father Dick, brothers Earl and Scott, and sister Glenda and son Joseph. A small family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport WA is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com

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