James Frary

SALEM- James “Jim” Frary, 64, passed away Monday, April 25, 2022, surrounded by his family at his rural Salem home.

Jim was born August 22, 1957, the son of Bob and Esther (Waldmeier) Frary of Salem, Iowa. He was the sixth child born to the family. Jim grew up helping on the family farm that has been in the Frary family since 1865, when his great great grandfather Thomas Edgar Frary bought the original 160 acres. It has been recognized as a Century Farm and has been owned by Jim since his father Bob’s passing in 2007. Jim was a self-employed farmer and also worked for Jerry Francy. On May 11, 1985, Jim married Ruth Wilson in Mount Pleasant. To this union, their son James “JJ” Edgar Frary, Jr. was born. The couple later divorced. Jim was a member of Pheasants Forever, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, and the Salem Fire Department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, the Chicago Cubs and NASCAR racing. Jim especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Madden, Hynlee, and McCoy.

Jim is survived by his son JJ (Nikki) Frary of Fort Madison; three grandchildren, Madden, Hynlee, and McCoy; two brothers, John (Lisa) Frary of Magnolia, Texas, Tom (Cindy) Frary of Mount Pleasant; sister Sara (Mike) Miller of Brownwood, Texas; brother-in-law Jim Harshbarger of Salem; sister-in-law Sue Frary of Mount Pleasant and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a great great niece.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sister Martha Harshbarger, and a brother Neal Frary.  

Visitation will be held Friday, April 29, 2022, from 12:00-7:00 pm, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel in Mount Pleasant, with family greeting friends from 4:00-7:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will begin at 4:00 pm, Saturday, April 30, 2022, at The Underground in Salem. Burial will be at a later date in the Salem East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for his grandchildren’s education.