James "Jim" William Fry, Jr., 82, of Kingsport, TN, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City TN.

Born on December 8, 1943, in Princeton, WV, Jim was the son of James W. Fry, Sr. and Thelma E. Fry (Hawks). He graduated from Princeton Senior High School and went on to build a long and dedicated career at Celanese Corporation in Narrows, VA, where he worked in manufacturing, packaging, and purchasing.

On August 13, 1965, Jim married the love of his life, Frances "Fran" Manning Fry. Together, they shared 57 years of devotion and joy, raising their three children—Debbie, Mike, and Shawn—and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. While in Princeton, they were active members of Kee Street United Methodist Church. In 2014, Jim and Fran moved to Kingsport, TN, to be near their daughter and her family, a decision that brought them deep happiness and connection in their later years. In Kingsport, they became faithful and treasured members of Northeast Church of Christ. They were blessed to have numerous friends and special neighbors in both Princeton and Kingsport.

Jim was a man who made friends everywhere he went. He had a gift for making others feel valued and seen, and he lived by the principles of faith, family, and friendship. He was always attentive to the needs of others, offering help before it was asked for and kindness without hesitation.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim loved to hunt and fish—especially alongside his father, sons, brothers, nephews, grandsons, and great-grandchildren. These moments in nature were among his greatest joys, creating memories that will be cherished for generations. He was especially fond of hiking the railroad tracks to fish at Slatey Fork in WV and fly fishing at the South Holston River in TN.

Jim was an inspiring husband, serving as an exceptional caregiver to Fran in her later years. His steady presence, gentle humor, and calm sense of purpose defined him. He approached life with realism and optimism, qualities that carried him through his remarkable 26-year survivorship of prostate cancer. He believed deeply that he had more to accomplish in life and never stopped looking forward to his next adventure.

Jim will be remembered for his unshakable faith in God, his generosity, his humor, his service to others, his steadfast love for his family, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. His legacy lives on in the many people he touched and the family he cherished above all else.

Jim is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Fran; his brothers Dwight and Carol Fry; his sister Bernice Bolton; and his nephew Tom Bolton.

He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Pencarinha (Mike), and sons Mike Fry and Shawn Fry (Stephanie); his sister Sarah Cahill (Jim); his grandsons Matt (Heidi), David (Taylor), and Thomas Pencarinha, and Caleb (Jordynne) and Chase Fry; and his great-grandchildren Collin and Carson Pencarinha. Jim was also deeply loved by numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3rd at Memorial Funeral Directory in Princeton, WV. Visitation will take place from 10:00–11:00 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.

In addition, a celebration of life for family and friends will be held at Northeast Church of Christ in Kingsport, TN on January 31st from 1:00–3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support cancer patient assistance through the Indian Path Community Hospital Cancer Center. Checks can be made payable to "Ballad Health Foundation" and mailed to 1019 West Oakland Ave., Suite 2. Johnson City, TN 37604. Please include "James Fry memorial" on the check. Gifts can also be made online at: https://www.balladhealth.org/foundation/donate-online

The Fry family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.