Posted by XXXXXX on May 1, 2008:

James Clyde Fry, Jr. NO. 16772 CLASS OP 1948 DIED FEBRUARY 12, 1956 IN A BOATING ACCIDENT ON THE POTOMAC RlVER, WASHINGTON, D. C. AGED 30 YEARS The tragic death of James C. Fry, Jr., occurred on Sunday, February 12, 1956, as a result of a boating accident on the Potomac River near Washington, D. C. Jim and a friend were returning from a boating trip when their small two-man kayak was capsized by a wave. Jim's untimely death comes as a great shock to all of his friends and associates. As one of his closest friends I am sorrowfully writing this article to inform those who did not receive the tragic news. Born October 24, 1925, at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jim grew up and thrived on the pleasant life of an Army Brat during the late twenties and thirties. Like most Army boys, he cherished the desire to go someday to West Point, as had his father. Although our fathers had once served together when we were children. I first came to know Jim at Sullivan's Preparatory School in 1943. After much effort and seemingly endless preparation we passed the exams and thereby started our careers in the Army. Jim's cadet career was an uphill fight ending with a triumphant and happy climax on June 8, 1948, when he received his diploma amid the cheers which accompany the chap who is responsible for "pushing" the class through. That Jim should have had that distinction is indeed a paradox, for his native intelligence was remarkable, and his ability to solve problems of all sorts was outstanding. His warm and sincere personality had won for him a host of loyal classmates and friends from the first. His brightness and keen sense of humor gave him an insight into life's myriad problems, while his interest and talents in art, music, good reading, and good conversation all contributed to his warm personality. In 1949 Jim went to Austria, where we served together in the 350th Infantry Regiment. He had the distinction of being one of the first doughboys in our class to command a rifle company — Company F of the 350th Infantry, the regiment his father, Major General James C. Fry, had so gallantly led in Italy through most of World War II. Jim turned in a fine job in his capacity as company commander. In April of 1950 in Vienna, Austria, Jim married Patsy Klotts of Columbus, Ohio. He was an outstandingly devoted father to their five children — Catherine, age 4; Ellen, age 3; James III and Patricia, twins age 2; and Virginia, age 1. Their permanent address is now 318 Ravenwood Drive, Falls Church, Virginia, near General Fry's residence. In Jim's mind for some time there had been reservations about continuing a career in a profession where he could not wholeheartedly project his enthusiasm and talents. Accordingly, he resigned his commission with reluctance in 1951 to begin a civilian career. Jim's accomplishments in civilian life attest to his aggressiveness and enthusiasm. After a brief stint in sales engineering he entered the insurance field, where he was dramatically successful. Although out of uniform, he always remained deeply interested in West Point, in his classmates and their activities. It is with deep sorrow that we say goodbye to Jim. Our whole class extends its sympathy to his widow, children, and parents. Speaking for many, I can say we had no truer friend . . no comrade so loyal. His devotion to our alma mater may well serve as an example for us to follow. —David S. Mallett Class of '4S

admin