James Russell Freideman

On July 26, 2024, at the age of 81, Jim passed away peacefully at his home in Roy, Utah after years long battle with Parkinsons disease. He was born June 7, 1943, to Dorothy Mae Erb and John Raymond Freideman in Patterson, New Jersey. After graduating high school, he served 4 years in the United States Air Force. He married Jane Atkins in New Jersey, together they moved to Utah and had four children, Donna, Tammy, Rusty and Tim. They later divorced and remained good friends. 

 He began his career as a Sanitation Engineer by hand throwing cans in the 70’s and was nicknamed “Oscar the Grouch”. In 1985, alongside Steve Robinson, he aided in establishing what is now known as Robinson Waste Services, where he made many life-long friends. He was very proud of his career with Robinson, as a fiercely loyal worker and the many accomplishments he acquired until his retirement.

 In 1978, he married Karen Piper in Ogden, Utah. They were blessed with two boys Jesse and Patrick. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed time spent as a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America. Growing up his father was a carpenter, spiking his interest in the art of woodworking. He enjoyed hard work and gained many skills in his off time while laying concrete, installing and replacing roofs, woodworking with his friend Oly and other countless projects. After Jim retired, he and Karen moved to Malta, Idaho. They spent 20 wonderful years together drinking Pepsi, reading about Taylor Swift, collecting antiques, playing with Sandy (the pug dog) and matching their outfits. His collection of antiques inspired him to view many things as useable for later projects.

 Jim was never shy with meeting new people and loved to grace them with his own personal charm. Always a jokester which was accompanied with the famous eyeroll. He loved to make everyone laugh and light up the room.

 He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers; John and Kenneth Freideman, and good friend Oly Barela.

 He is survived by his wife Karen, Children: Donna (Mike) Gray of West Haven, UT; Tammy (Collin) Freideman of Eden, UT; Rusty (Maria) Freideman of Sunset, UT; Tim Freideman of West Point, UT; Jesse Freideman of Roy, UT; Patrick Freideman of Ogden, UT; and his siblings: Diane “Bootsie” Freideman; William “Bill” Freideman; Susan (Paul) Nini; Thomas “Tom” (Diane) Freideman; Linda (Thomas) Gibbs; Janet (John) Cordova; David Freideman, 13 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and several great-grandchildren.

 Jim had many accomplishments during his life, but most of all his exceptional work ethic and dedication to anything he set forth to do. Many people looked up to Jim for his motivation to always keep going until the job was done. Now leaving all of his loved ones and friends with the unforgettable impact that he has left on all of our lives.

 Funeral Services for family and friends will be held Tuesday August 6th, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary,1867 N. Fairfield Road Layton, Utah. Friends may visit with family Monday August 5th, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the mortuary.

 Interment will be at the Lindquist's Washington Heights Memorial Park 4500 S. Washington Blvd., Ogden, Utah 84403 followed by a small luncheon at his residence 5018 S. 2500 W., Roy, Utah 84067.

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations can be made to Jim’s widow Karen Freideman.

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