James W. Frey, Jr., Jr.

James W. Frey, Jr., 92, of Strasburg, died at the Mennonite Home on Sunday, May 20, 2018. He was the husband of Janice (Guie) Frey for over 49 years.

He was a graduate of JP McCaskey High School class of 1944, the Lancaster Business School, and the Reisch American School of Auctioneering in August 1966.

Jim enlisted in the US Navy at age 17. He served during WWII on the 300 ft. Escort Carrier USS Roberts (DE749) for 30 months. He earned five Battle stars, including the invasion on Okinawa. Then, during the Korean War, he served on the 900 ft., 15,000-ton Escort Carrier Toledo (CA133) for 15 months, including radar jamming during the invasion of Inchon, Korea.

He was a long-time member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Strasburg.

He retired from Armstrong World Industries at age 56, where he worked in the data processing center and later in the property accounting department.

He was well known Antique Dealer, Appraiser and Auctioneer. He collected fine antiques, especially stoneware and red-ware. He loved going to auctions.

Jim was an active member, and Past-President, of the Strasburg Lions Club for over 56 years, a member of the Berks County Antique Dealers Association and the Strasburg Heritage Society.

Jim was a life-long Phillies fan, since the days of Joe DiMaggio. He always went to Clearwater, FL, to see them in spring training. He enjoyed eating at Bird-In-Hand Family Restaurant and watching Turner Classic Movies.

Jim enjoyed reading and traveling to Canadian Rockies, Ireland, London, England, and Bermuda several times. He made a trip to San Diego by rail to reunite with his Navy Chief.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late James W., Sr. and Edna Frey. In addition to Janice, he is survived by a son, Keith Frey of Selinsgrove; grandchildren, Tracy Reed, and Michael James Frey, both of Lancaster; great-grandchildren and several cousins. He was preceded in death by a son, Larry Frey.

There will be a Viewing on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 from 7:00 until 9:00 PM in the Bachman Funeral Home, 7 South Decatur Street, Strasburg, PA.

The Funeral service will be on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 11:00 in Wesley United Methodist Church, Strasburg, with Pastor David Alderson officiating. There is a viewing at the church from 10:00 until 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Strasburg Mennonite Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a contribution in Jim’s memory to Wesley UM Church, 40 W. Main St., Strasburg, PA 17579 or Strasburg Lions Club, PO Box 281, Strasburg, PA 17579.