James Frey, 79, of Avon

Jim died Monday, January 15, 2024 at Bethesda Home of Beresford. Funeral services will be 11 AM, Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in Avon, SD. Burial will be in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Jim was born in Avon, SD on July 16, 1944 to Hobert and Eleanor (Budde) Frey. He died Monday, January 15, 2024 at the Bethesda Home of Beresford.

He grew up in rural Avon and graduated from Avon High School where he received a music scholarship to attend USD and was sought after by all the fraternities. He attended the University of SD Vermillion and graduated in 1966 with a Business Degree. He made the Dean's List and Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.

Jim married Gayle R. Kocmich on December 20, 1964 at First Presbyterian Church in Avon and two children, Jeffrey Scott Frey and Jennifer Sue Frey were born to their union.

Jim served in the US Army as a medic during the Vietnam Era.

He began his career at U.S. Steel in Gary, IN as Controller. A new opportunity with Royal Industries, moved the family to Sioux Falls as VP of Finance, the company moved to City of Industry in CA where Jim continued his position. In 1975, the company was purchased and Jim was transferred to Kansas City, MO.

On December 23, 1975, Jim and Carol (Rainier) Santos were married at Blue Springs Presbyterian Church in Raytown, MO. In 1976 Jim was hired as Controller of Crane/Hydro-Aire division in Burbank, CA, becoming involved in the field of aerospace, contract negotiations and airplane parts manufacturing. His final company Edwards Aerospace took the family to Coppell, TX. After spending much of his professional life in the aerospace field, he and Carol retired in 1993. Their final move to travel and enjoy retirement brought Jim back to his roots in Avon. Jim and Carol resided in Avon until a fall, which made it impossible for him to reside in the home and town he loved. Jim spent 2023 in nursing and rehabilitation centers until his death at Bethesda of Beresford.

Jim's passion was music and he loved sharing his great talent with many friends, family, and congregations. He happily performed at weddings, funerals, Avon activities banquets, and other celebrations. The kids used to refer to him as their bus driver since he transported them to the Avon Kids Club in his pickup for 8 years. He would often play the piano to entertain them and they would join in singing and dancing to his rock and roll tunes. He was the Grand Organist for the Grand Chapter of South Dakota, Order of Eastern Star, Grand Musician for the Masonic Grand Lodge of South Dakota for over 10 years, Organist of Keystone Chapter #33, Order of Eastern Star, Yankton. In June of 2023, Jim was named Grand Musician Emeritus of the Masonic Grand Lodge of South Dakota. Jim was past Master of St. John's Lodge #1 of Yankton, a member and past president of Avon Lions Club, former Mayor of Avon, and a faithful member of Avon First Baptist Church where he served as church pianist for over 10 years. Jim was baptized in faith on June 8, 2014 at Avon First Baptist Church.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Carol; son Jeffrey and daughters Sabrina and Samantha of CA; daughter Jennifer (Ken) Granger and twin sons Grayson and Gavin of CA; Jim's sister Audrey (Jerry) McReavy of FL, sons Mark Ballard and Steven (Rena) Ballard of SD; Carol's sons: Kyle David Santos and children Airel (Alex) Wold, sons Wolf and Fox of GA, Airis (Kaiti) Santos and sons Elias and Elijah; and Aireanna Santos of SD; Stephen (Joan) Davis and daughters Katherine and Caroline of TX; and special grandchildren: Ava, Airen, Morgan, and Abby. Jim was blessed with many loving family members who he adored.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Hobert and Eleanor, a brother, several aunts, and uncles.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of Avera Hospital, Avera at Home hospice doctors and nurses and the staff of Bethesda of Beresford for their compassion and providing care and comfort for Jim.