Jim went home to be with his Lord on December 12, 2011 at 5:50 p.m. surrounded by his five children after a short illness. While our dad didn''t value material possessions, he did value knowing that he did his best to raise decent, loving human beings. He was born September 21, 1929 in the home on Strawberry Creek just south of Salem, Fulton County, Arkansas to Frank & Laura (Smith) Fry. He was their fourth child. Granny was a retired employee of Colonial Bakery and he also served as the President of the Bakers'' Local Union. He was able to enjoy an early retirement spending his time riding the guzzi, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, sightseeing, traveling and visiting his favorite eating establishments! He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his sister Marie Petrasek of Sacramento, CA, brothers Willis of St. Louis, MO, and Bill of Springfield, MO, and also a grandson Justin Dowden of Hartville, MO. He is survived by his favorite brother-in-law Lou Petrasek of Sacramento, CA, three daughters, Laura Sims of Springfield, MO, Deborah Dowden and her husband Lonnie, of Hartville, MO, and Rebecca Lyons and her husband Mark, of Nixa, MO; two sons, Joe Fry of Springfield, MO, and Randy Fry and his wife Tassi, of Battlefield, MO; thirteen grandchildren, Trisha Palacios and husband Mike, Ryan Sims and wife Jocelyn, Jacob Fry and fianc Milissa, Jessica Oldendorf and husband Caleb, Sara Thompson and husband Andrew, Al Dowden and wife Mary, Jake Gilmore and fianc Danielle, Jessie Gilmore, Rhiannon Strick and husband Eric, Jasmine Cloud and husband Nick, James Fry, Julianna Fry, and Josie Fry; and also six great-grandchildren. Dad was grateful for the excellent care and friendship he received from doctors Barry Farber and Monte Maska. Jim''s family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice Omega, Jordan Creek Nursing and especially Nikki. Visitation will be Saturday, December 17, 2011 from 2 to 3 p.m., immediately followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home, 1635 N. Benton. Family has expressed that everyone attending please dress casual. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Jim''s name to the Salvation Army, 1707 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO 65802