James G Frede

James George Frede, 79, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on September 6th, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife Jeanne Frede (née Naltner), his four children, Jim Frede, Scott Frede, Miriam (Alan) Drew and Elizabeth (Ken) Fischer, and his seven grandchildren, Katherine, Caroline, Ellen, Eric, Nathaniel, Adeline, and Aidric, his sister Mary Frede and his brother Richard Frede.  He was preceded in death by his brothers Edward and Joseph Frede.

Jim was born on February 11th, 1943 and grew up in Price Hill - a salt-of-the-earth West Sider. After
graduating from Elder High School, where he played defensive tackle on the football team, Jim earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business at the University of Cincinnati. While in college, he fell in love with Jeanne Naltner. They began their married life together on July 15, 1967. They shared their love and commitment to each other through 55 years of marriage.

Jim worked his way through college parking cars in a lot near McAlpin’s downtown, and eventually was hired by McAlpin’s in his 20s. Over the next 30+ years, Jim worked his way up in the company. He managed operations at the Western Hills McAlpin’s and was honored to be promoted to the Store Operations Manager at the new Northgate McAlpin’s. He advanced through the Purchasing, Warehousing, and Distribution departments of Mercantile Stores. Towards the end of his career at Mercantile, he served as the Director of Logistics and Replenishment and finally, as President of the Mercantile Stores Logistical Network. Jim went on to work for Federated Department Stores, and started his own consulting business before he left the corporate world. He then served as the Business Manager for Our Lady of Lourdes Parish for several years. He retired at 71.

Throughout his children’s school years, Jim was an active member of Our Lady of Visitation Parish and spent countless hours serving the Catholic community. Despite a busy travel schedule at work, Jim coached both soccer and baseball, served on Parish Council and the school board, and successfully frightened the crowds in his several-year tenure as Count Dracula at the Annual OLV Haunted House.
Jim was particularly generous with his beautiful tenor singing voice. Music was fundamental in his life. As a child, he was in the St. Williams Grade School choir and famously made his mother cry when he sang the Ave Maria for the first time. He sang for decades in the Our Lady of the Visitation choir, cantoring in hundreds of services. He sang with the Southern Gateway Chorus, the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, the Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church October Festival Chorus, the Voices of Ascension, and of course, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

In both the business world and in spiritual matters, Jim gave generously of his time and advice and served as a mentor for many. He also had an unquenchable thirst for travel and adventure and loved visiting his family in their homes near and far. Family mattered more to him than anything. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, acting generally goofy and telling dad jokes like the best of them. The Memorial Day picnics he and Jeanne hosted for his large extended family each year at the house were a source of great joy and pride for him.

Among many other gifts, Jim had an astonishing work ethic, deep compassion, and devout faith. He lived his life with purpose, love, and joy. We are so blessed to have had him in our lives.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 8th from 6:30-8:30 pm at Dalbert, Woodruff and Isenogle Funeral Home, 2880 Boudinot Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45238. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 9th at 9:30 AM at Our Lady of the Visitation Church, 3172 South Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45248. If desired, please consider a memorial donation to Hospice of Cincinnati, to whom our family is forever grateful, HOSPICE OF CINCINNATI DONATION LINK or Pregnancy Center West PREGNANCY CENTER WEST DONATION LINK