James Lynn Frick

James Lynn Frick, 83, of Clarkston, Michigan, passed away on September 11, 2026, at his summer home in Bay View Michigan. Jim was born on June 6, 1943, the oldest child of Donald and Lucille Frick of Ortonville. He loved his family, enjoyed his friends, and readily gave his time and expertise to support causes and people important to him. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

A 1961 graduate of Brandon High School, Jim served three years in the US Army operating Nike missiles in Germany. Jim returned to Ortonville and married Jane Ellen Reits in 1964. They were married for 63 years and raised three sons, Paul Frick (married to Martha Coven) of Washington DC, Kevin Frick of Clarkston, Michigan, and Stephen Frick, of Long Beach, California.

Jim worked at Hodges Wholesale Supply in Pontiac and Flint before starting his own business, RJM Sales and Marketing, which he built into a successful agency representing pipe and pump manufacturers in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.

An active volunteer in church and community, Jim was especially interested in working with young people. He coached Little League Baseball for four years and then became involved in the Oakland County Mentors Plus Program and the Male Responsibility Program at the Metropolitan United Methodist Church. He also served on the Albion College Board of Trustees as a representative of the United Methodist Church. Jim was a member of the Bay View Association for forty years and served on the Building and Grounds Committee. A patriot and veteran, Jim loved his country and followed politics closely. Elections were almost as important as Michigan State basketball, which he never missed.

When the summer sun appeared, Jim spent his time in Bay View, Michigan sailing on Little Traverse Bay or golfing. Here, there was always time for a game of euchre or bridge or attending concerts. His love of music, especially folk and bluegrass, developed in his younger years and stayed with him his whole life. He passed it on to his son and grandson, playing guitar on the cottage porch where the whole family gathered on the Fourth of July. He was an avid reader and dog spoiler.

Jim was a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, supporting all through challenges and celebrating their successes. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane; his brother, Jerry Frick (Jaynee Frick) of Goodrich, Michigan; his three sons and five grandchildren: Ethan Frick of Denver, Colorado; Megan Frick of Honolulu, Hawaii; Hayley Frick of Clarkston, Michigan; Daphne Frick of Washington DC; and Noah Frick of Washington DC.

Jim's ashes will be interred in the Bay View Memorial Garden on the shores of Little Traverse Bay which he enjoyed so much. Arrangements are being handled by Gaylord Community Funeral Home. Condolences can be shared on their memorial website. A private family service will be held later. Memorial contributions to support the fight against hunger can be made in Jim's name to the Little Traverse CROP Hunger Walk using this online link, or by check made out to "CWS/CROP", with a note that the donation is to the Little Traverse walk in memory of Jim Frick, mailed to CWS, PO Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.