Obituary of James B. Fruin
James B. Fruin, age 77, of Rome, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse.
Jim was born on June 19, 1939, a son of James Alton and Irene (Olin) Fruin. He graduated from Remsen Central School in 1957 and soon after, entered the U.S. Army, where he served as a radio operator in the Pacific. On May 23, 1985, he married Susan Reams in Rome; a loving union that lasted until his passing. Jim was a kind and thoughtful husband who made every day special. Upon being honorably discharged from the army, he attended and graduated from Utica College. Soon after, he went to work as a teacher at the Rome State School and remained there until 1987 when he transferred to Oneida Correctional Facility, where he taught until retiring in 1995.
Jim was an avid golfer and one of the best in Rome in his prime. Early in his career, he was a member of Marcy (now Crestwood) Golf Club but then switched to Beaverbrook Club in Rome (now Rome Country Club), where he remained a member until his sickness and passing. He enjoyed the friendship of many good golfing buddies including Denny Perry and his brother in law, Dave Fay.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sue; his sisters, Mary Lou (Ken) Iles of Clinton; Nancy Hessler of Clinton, and Candy (David) Fay of Rome; his in laws, Herm and Joanne Reams of Rome; a sister in law, Renee Kittleman of Syracuse; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his precious, little canine friend, Pepper. He was predeceased by a brother, Daryl, and his parents.
Jim’s family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph’s for their great care of Jim during his illness.
At Jim’s request, there will be no calling hours or service.
Donations in Jim’s name can be made to the Rome Humane Society.
“He lived life on his own terms!”
