Born on May 7, 1934 in Allentown, PA, Jim joined the Army in June 1951. He went to Japan for 6 months, and then volunteered for Korea in the 45th Inf. Div. 145AAA, driving half track quad 50. He then volunteered for Inf. CO.E, 180th Regiment, 45 Div. He came home in May 1953 after being oversees for 18 months. He then joined the 3rd Inf. Regiment presidential honor guard. He received honorable discharge in 1954. During his service he earned the combat infantry badge, United Nations medal, Korean service medal with three bronze stars, Republic of Korea presidential united citation, Good Conduct medal, National Defense medal, Japan occupational medal, and a Korean medal from the South Korean government. He married in Feb. 1954 to Margaret J. Mullin. Over their 22 year marriage they had 5 children. Margaret passed away of cancer on Nov. 16, 1976. Jim then shared 26 years of marriage with Ruth E. Bates, and was a step-father to her 5 children from a previous marriage. Ruth passed away Oct. 3, 2009 of cancer. Jim was employed by Bethlehem Steel for 41 years until retiring in 1997, was a life member of V.F.W. Post 13 (which he commanded from 86-89), life member of AM Vets Easton, D.A.V. American Legion 40/8, 213th regiment PA national guard, and the united veterans of Allentown. He passed away in Easton on Oct. 21, 2012.
Survivors: Children Sandra L. Blaetz and husband Paul of Bethlehem, PA, James R. Fritz Jr. of New Mexico, Gail A Schaffer and husband Terry of Northampton, PA, Dwayne A. Fritz and wife Debbie of Whitehall, PA, and Anthony D. Fritz of Allentown; Step-children Rose Sulliveres of North Dakota, Richard Mitchell, Jeffrey Mitchell, Dennis J. Mitchell, all of Allentown, and Vicki L. Berman and husband Alex of Philadelphia, PA; 9 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; 8 step-grandchildren; 7 step-great grandchildren, and many other loving family and friends.
Services: Viewing on Thu. Oct. 25, 6-8pm at Weber Funeral Home, 502 Ridge Ave, Allentown.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers please make donations to the V.F.W. at www.vfw.org/Contribute/.