James Fryer

James A. “Grandpa Jim” Fryer, 80, of Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7, 2025, surrounded by the loving embrace of his family. Jim was born on April 1, 1945, in Akron, OH.

Grandpa Jim loved opera, especially the tenor Enrico Caruso, the study of history, British mysteries, good cigars, a fine meal, a stiff bourbon, and lively conversation, often punctuated by belly laughs. A published author, he found great satisfaction in writing historical mystery novels inspired by Enrico Caruso.

Jim is survived by his children, son Nicholas A. Fryer and his wife Andrea L. Fryer; grandchildren Maya E. Fryer and Andrew W. Fryer; daughter Rowan E. MacDonald and her husband Shadrach MacDonald; his former spouse, lifelong co-parent and dear friend, Sheleen Quish; and brother Mark Fryer and sister Karen Recco.

A private memorial service will be held in the Portage Lakes area of Ohio, where Jim’s mother, Agnes, and adopted father, Jake, lived out their golden years with brother Mark Fryer and his wife Ellen. Jim found great peace here; the yellow lilies he gifted to his mother Agnes still bloom every summer on the shores of the Portage Lakes, offering beauty to all passers-by and serving as a perpetual expression of his love and affection.

It is literally impossible to sum up in words what Grandpa Jim meant to his family. It was a blessing that Jim was able to live with Nick, Andrea, Maya and Andrew in Chicago for the final decade of his life. He loved watching his grandchildren grow and delighted in their accomplishments, their unique personalities, their talents, and their company. His spirit lives on in them.

In addition to his passion for opera, food, drink, and comradery, Jim deeply loved his country. He was a champion of the United States Constitution, a deep believer in the liberating power of democracy, a friend and defender of all marginalized people, and a deeply compassionate human being. One of his most cherished pieces of wisdom was to “Never lose faith in the common decency of the American people.” He sought to live as a peer and friend to all men and women; none were above nor below him. Among many other important lessons, he taught us all what it meant to be truly human.

Jim’s family wishes to thank the tireless efforts of the Doctors, Nurses, and Staff of Swedish Covenant Hospital and AccentCare InPatient Hospice for their compassion, expert care, and support.

Donations in Jim’s name may be made to the American Diabetes Association, the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, or a charity of your choice