James Fulton Frye

James Fulton Frye of Langley died Dec. 23, 2006 at Whidbey General Hospital at the age of 88. He was born May 18, 1918 in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Jim enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1940 and served as a Platoon Sergeant in World War II, where he received two Good Conduct Medals before being honorably discharged in 1946. Jim reenlisted in 1946 and served as a Master Sergeant until he was transferred from active duty to the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve in 1961 after more than 21 years of service. He retired from the United States Marine Corps on Feb. 1, 1970.

In addition to his extensive military career, Jim was an avid golfer. Some competitive accomplishments included: semi-finalist in 1964 Washington PGA Match Play Tournament; third in 1970 Northwest Senior PGA; All-Marine championship, Nagoya Japan, 1957; Runner-up Inglewood Invitational, Seattle, 1953; Runner-up All Navy, 1947; and Minnesota Caddy Champion, 1933. Jim worked as the golf professional at various golf clubs on Whidbey Island, including Gallery, Whidbey Golf and Country Club, Holmes Harbor Golf Club and Useless Bay Golf and Country Club. After moving to Vancouver, Washington in 1973 he worked at Delta Park Golf Club in Portland for 14 years before retiring and working part-time at Fairway Village Golf and Country Club in Vancouver, Wash. where Jim and Ellie resided.

Jim had a very special interest in rock collecting and jewelry making, along with tending to his garden and reading historical fiction. He loved taking his grandchildren out on the golf course and teaching them the game of golf.

Jim and his wife Ellie lived in Vancouver Washington for 33 years, from 1973 to 2006 before moving back to Whidbey Island in October to be closer to family.

Jim is survived by his wife ElMar “Ellie” Frye of Langley; his sister Mary Anne of Sacramento and brother Lou of Sacramento; his daughter Joan and her husband Joe Albert of Clinton, son, Jim Frye and his wife Bonnie of Toronto, son Larry Frye and his wife Michelle of Stanwood, and his daughter Leslie and her husband Derrick Franzen of Coupeville. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Judi and her husband Dave Little of Everett, his stepson Dean Hatt and his wife Cathy of Langley, and his stepdaughter Sue and her husband Jack Terhar of Langley. Jim was a proud grandparent of 13 grandchildren: Greg, Samantha, Annalyse, Kelsey, Garrett, Steve, Kris, Suzi, Jennifer, Danielle, Courtney, Heather, and Jon. He also had 7 great-grandchildren: Olivia, Stella, Jules, Jacob, Jarrin, De’Andre, and Mason.

A celebration of Jim’s life was held in a private family service on Saturday, December 30th.