James Carl Frye, Jr.

James Carl Frye, Jr. passed away due to complications of Covid June 13, 2021 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston Salem with family by his side. He was 64. Mr. Frye was born to the late Carl and Patsy Frye in Stokes County, NC December 17, 1956.

After graduating from South Stokes High School in 1975, he moved to Nash County to begin working with BarcaLounger. This began a much-loved career in upholstery. After a variety of locations, Mr. Frye finally opened his own business, James Frye Upholstery in King, NC. He enjoyed cheering for UNC basketball, driving his red Mustang convertible, exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway with his wife, and eating Dairi-O “hard chocolate” milkshakes.

He was preceded by his parents. He is survived by his wife Rita; four children, Scott (Rachel) Frye of Denver, NC, Amy (Steven) Hollowell of Wendell, Caroline Lewis of Zebulon, and John Frye of the home; nine grandchildren; one brother, Gary Frye of King; and numerous extended family members, all of whom he greatly loved.

Mr. Frye was a Charter Member of Calvary Baptist Church in King. At the age of 13, he was the first member baptized in the Little Yadkin River. Since that time, Mr. Frye’s quiet forcefulness helped his church to grow, and building the Kingdom served as a source of joy. Just days before his passing, he watched via Livestream and rejoiced as Calvary broke ground on their new Family Life Education Building. Mr. Frye genuinely loved his Lord, shared his faith, and led a God-centered life. Mr. Frye also served faithfully as Cub Master for Pack #477 while his son John was young. In 2020, he received with pride the Mentor Award at an Eagle Scout Ceremony for one of his original scouts. In his 20’s, he was an avid bowler for his church league and played every Friday night in Wilson. Mr. Frye was known for his even-tempered nature, his ardent devotion to UNC basketball, a deep-rooted love for our country, and an ever-present support of his family. Throughout each of his children’s lives, he spent tenures as a band, tennis, soccer, and basketball booster. In his later life, he continued his involvement by attending events for his grandchildren. His favorite seat at any party was at the “kids’ table” with them. Spending quality time with his family defined Mr. Frye’s life.

Mr. Frye’s resilience was tested on Easter Sunday 2014 by a massive heart attack. Even though circumstances and prognoses were grim, Mr. Frye’s faith pulled him through, and on May 9, 2015 he survived a heart transplant. This experience defined Mr. Frye as a survivor, as he held onto his favorite saying, “God is in control.”

In Mr. Frye’s final years, life continued to present challenges through a vehicle accident and subsequent back surgeries. His focus shifted to spending quality time with his children and grandchildren- band contests, soccer games, basketball games, karate matches, dance recitals, and birthday parties. He continued to work with upholstery as able and discovered the peace of coloring. Mr. Frye’s grateful response to his son for helping him would be: “Thank you, son; I’ll dance at your wedding.” Because of his faith, his family knows that he will joyfully dance at all future family celebrations.

Services for Mr. Frye will take place at Calvary Baptist Church on Main Street, King, Thursday, June 17 at 11:00am, with visitation two hours prior. The service will be conducted by the family’s pastors, and Mr. Frye’s dear friends, Kevin Broyhill and Rick Eacho, followed by burial in the church cemetery. Floral tributes will be accepted; or to continue the Gospel of Jesus Christ moving throughout the community and world, memorials may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund or the Calvary Baptist Mission Fund at Calvary Baptist Church, 536 S Main Street, King, NC 27021.

Cox-Needham Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Frye family. Online condolences may be made at www.cox needham.com.

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