James Erwin Fritz, Jr. 77, peacefully went to be with his LORD and Savior Sunday afternoon, January 7, 2018 in Dripping Springs, TX with his loving wife of 56 years, Vivian, at his side.  He was born January 31, 1940 in Fredericksburg, TX to James E. Fritz, Sr. and Pearl Eva (Gentry) Fritz.

James was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Gregory W. Fritz, Major USAF.  He is survived by his wife, Vivian (Suter) Fritz; son, Jeffrey Fritz and wife Michelle; daughter, Dawn Champion and husband Chris; widow of son Gregory, Veronica Fritz; and by eight grandchildren, Tyler and wife Kaitlyn, Austin and wife Lindsey, Jenna, Ashton, Brett, Christyn, Connor, and Lauren.

After being trained and serving in the United States Air Force, he continued his career in the aviation industry for 34 years.

"Opa" as he was known to his grandchildren loved his family, his faith, and enjoying God's creation.  Whether it was hunting, fishing, gardening or mowing lawns, Jim had a true passion for anything that involved being outdoors.

As a father, he taught his children the value of hard work and discipline, but his greatest joys came from spending time with them, and this usually involved being in a natural setting. Camping, boating, hunting, and fishing were all frequent activities.  Opa continued to influence the next generation and spent countless hours fishing, gardening, hunting, and passing down his passion for the outdoors with his beloved grandchildren.

His always present faith became a major part of his life after his son Greg was killed while serving in the USAF.  Jim became very active in his church, and was privileged to serve his LORD and Savior as a Stephen's Minister.

A rare only-child in a family whose reunions would often number near 100, Jim found the true love of his life early on, and married Vivian 7 days after she graduated high school on June 17, 1961.  It was his devotion as a loving husband that truly demonstrated his love of family.  Always by each other's side for nearly 60 years, they were privileged to be together until Jesus called him home.

In honor of Jim's proud service to our grateful nation with the U.S. Air Force, a private entombment of his ashes will be held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

A memorial service honoring James' life will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 20, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Blanco, Texas, 1200 4 ^th St., Blanco, TX 78606.

In Lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Gold Star Teen Adventures, 3350 Footbridge Lane, Ste. 124, Fayetteville, NC 28306 ( www.gstadventures.org) , an outstanding organization that has served the Fritz family specifically and hundreds of other families of special operations Service Members who lost their lives in the line of duty.