James Robert Freid

Mr. James Robert Freid, 61, died peacefully at his home in Fort Mill, SC on April 23, 2013. James (Jim) was born in Pittsburgh, PA on Mother's Day, May 12, 1951 to the late Ernest and Marion Freid. Jim grew up in Millvale, PA, graduating from Millvale High School. After high school, Jim attended Penn State where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Jim's love of chemistry led him into a very successful career in the inks and coatings industry. His first job was with PPG Industries (Pittsburgh & Ilinois). After a successful 20 year career at PPG, Jim worked briefly for Roymal in NH. In 1993, he accepted a position with Wikoff Color Corporation. Jim held dual roles as Director of Export Sales and Fluid Inks and Coatings Manager at the company's corporate office in Fort Mill, SC until he retired in 2008. Even though he enjoyed living in the south, Pittsburgh was always home to Jim. He enjoyed reminiscing about his childhood and spending time at this Aunt Rita & Uncle Hank's farm in the summers. He was a sports enthusiast - baseball (Pirates), Hockey (Penguins) and football (Steelers and Nittany Lions). He had fond memories of going to Pirates games with his dad and watching his favorite player, Roberto Clemente. Jim's passion was running. Jim ran competitively. He began running in the mid ‘70's to lose weight and he never stopped running until his disease took the desire and ability away. His running career included 14 marathons (Boston was his favorite), Pike's Peak, Mt. Washington, numerous half marathons, 10k's and 5k's. He belonged to running clubs in Pittsburgh and Rock Hill (Striders). Jim was very well known in running communities around the country. Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Katherine (Katie) Freid, his sister Roseanne Francis of Penn Hills, PA, and step-sons Adam (Vanda) and Michael (Mandy) of Austin, TX. Many heartfelt thanks go out the wonderful and caring staff of The Fort Mill Adult Enrichment Center, Care Haven, The Haven, all in-home caregivers (especially Tony), Dr. Patel and staff at Patel Medical, Dr Bolouri and staff at The Alzheimer's Memory Care Center, Dr. Templeton and staff at Fort Mill Dentistry, Dr. Long and staff at Fort Mill Vision center, CMC-Pineville and to Hospice and Community Care of Rock Hill . Thanks to all the above and to family and friends for your extraordinary compassion, care, support and understanding throughout Jim's illness. The family will receive friends at the home on Friday, May 3, 2013 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Fort Mill Adult Enrichment Center or Hospice and Community Care of Rock Hill. A personalized video tribute to Jim Freid is now available on www.jimfreid.info

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