SHORT NOTICE: CONFIRMED: James (Jim). Frederick, Sr., Retired, Veteran, US Air Force, Vietnam (135-26) 3 Aug 26
625 Kitty Hawk Rd
Universal City, TX 78148
USA
“SHORT NOTICE”
US AIR FORCE RETIRED VETERAN – VIETNAM WAR
The family of Mr. James (Jim). Frederick, Sr., a US Air Force (Ret.) Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the services, and the LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
James Earl Frederick, Sr, Master Sergeant Retired completed his earthly journey and passed into Eternal life on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at his home, surrounded by family in San Antonio, Texas. He had lived 87 years including two unexpected years gifted by God’s mercy and grace.
Jim, also known as Mr. Jim, was born on 10/30/1938 at home in Bushy Fork Township, Hurtle Mills, North Carolina to Thomas Earl Frederick and Lottie Eldora Smith. His mother died when he was only 9 years old and he and his older sister Elvira went to live at the Oxford Orphanage in Oxford, North Carolina. His younger brother Ted was too young so he was cared for by family members. Jim left the orphanage at 16 and hitch-hiked to Michigan where at 17 he enlisted in the Air Force and was trained as a Veterinary Technician and Food Inspector. He traveled extensively through Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, during the first few years of his military service. He cultivated a taste for the food and was always looking for restaurants that served authentic Asian cuisine here in the States. His next assignment was Kelly AFB, San Antonio, Texas.
Twenty-one and a half years of service took him to every State, 28 foreign countries and 4 US Territories. Much of the Stateside travel was by motorcycle, and he had plenty of stories. Through the years, he had played sports, raced motorcycles on flat track, participated in a variety of social activities and attended a variety of events including motorcycle and NASCAR races, eating out was a frequent occurrence. He chose a variety of restaurants and food. Food servers all over town knew him by his first name, and he knew theirs. He also enjoyed dancing – mostly Country Western and later Square Dancing where he met his wife Kathy, married and had two sons. At that time, he gave up his motorcycle and spent more time with his number one hobby – FISHING. He eventually bought all kinds of fishing gear and a boat which got plenty of use. When the family was stationed in Puerto Rico in 1972, he used his fishing skills to guide the visiting military officers to the prime fishing lakes. After the base was closed, he was assigned to Valdosta, Georgia followed by Guam. Then he returned to San Antonio to retire as a Master Sergeant in 1977. He spends some of his retirement years as Manager of the Used Truck lot at Gillespie Ford on Broadway.
Jim was a social person and had a great memory and sense of humor which made him an entertaining story-teller. He also loved to listen to and sing along with the old Country and Bluegrass Gospel songs. When the TV was on, he was watching some kind of sports. He followed teams like Duke, Spurs, Dallas Cowboys, Yankees or any team with exceptional players. On the weekends, it was NASCAR races. If he couldn’t find sports, he would turn to Country Gospel shows, the ones that brought back the classic Country artists and songs.
Some medical issues including bypass surgery in 1989, and dialysis and a kidney transplant in 2001 caused him to fully retire (from working, not from fishing of course, until he no longer could safely get into the boat). Great care from his family, and friend and kidney doctor, Flavio Alvarez, helped extend his life, especially the last two years, which gave us as a family time to grow together as we cared for him and took turns staying with him when he couldn’t be alone.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lottie Frederick, and his sister Elvira Dickerson and her husband Buck.
He is survived by his brother Ted Frederick, Ted’s wife Bobbie and their sons, Jim’s nephews, Chad and Ronald, in North Carolina.
He is also survived by Kathy Frederick his friend, caregiver and former wife, their sons James JR and wife Debbie, and John; grandchildren, Ashley Brietzke and husband Caleb, Fallon, James III, and Lilly; great-grandchildren Emily, Charlotte and baby girl Brietzke; and many nieces and nephews in Texas, Massachusetts, Colorado, Florida and North Carolina.
WEATHER: Hi 100 / Lo 78, 0 % Chance of Rain, 74 % Humidity, Wind: 3 mph SW
REQUESTOR: John Frederick, Son
STAGING: 11:00 am, Monday, August 3, 2026
Colonial Funeral Home
625 Kitty Hawk Road
Universal City, Texas 78148
https://goo.gl/maps/yhnaqjtM o8Q2
BRIEFING: 11:15 am
SERVICE: 12:00 am
Colonial Funeral Home
625 Kitty Hawk Road
Universal City, Texas 78148
https://goo.gl/maps/yhnaqjtM o8Q2
KSU: 12:45 pm (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 1:30 pm – Shelter #3 (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/kQ68VALuUAptXpgS9
RC: Craig “Last Draftee” Hunter
Harleyman51@verizon.net
FC: Richard “Bean” Sandoval
Richardsandoval196@hotmail.com
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers