Jim only made it to 97 years, but he was certain he would live to be 100, jesting, he attributed the Fritz family’s longevity to “the cryogenic effects if growing up swimming in the frigid waters of Lake Superior”.
Jim Fritz, passed away in Napa, California.
Jim was born outside Montreal, Wisconsin, to Don and Ruby Fritz.
Jim lived in Novato, where he worked as Chief Engineer with North Marin County Water District.
He was a member of St. Francis of Assissi Episcopal Church where he sang with the choir, and a dedicated member of Novato Rotary and founder of Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise.
He leaves his wife Beatrice Abbate, and his four children, Don, Laura, Susan and David. He has 5 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years Marti Fritz. Jim had a passion for the arts. He was a woodcarver, carpenter, an accomplished pianist, and sang in choirs internationally. He will be remembered most for his photographs, which he developed and printed.
They are evocative of his love of nature, architecture, and candid moments of people. These images were collected on his extensive world travels. He inspired many of his friends and relatives to pursue travel, education, and community involvement.
Community was vital to Jim, from international projects bringing water to underfunded neighborhoods, to local engagement. His favorite Rotary project was Fishing in the City, where young children are introduced to fishing as a means to learn about the importance of nature.
(To place a “Life Tribute” in the Novato Advance, send the information to Publisher Sherm Frederick at shermfrederick@gmail.com.)
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