Froese, James Robert (1955-2002)

'Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jun 21 p. 25

Birth date: 1955 May 22

text of obituary:

JAMES ROBERT FROESE

James Robert Froese passed away Mar. 5 in an auto accident in Nia-gara-on-the-Lake, Ont. He was born May 22, 1955 to Jacob and Tina Froese in Niagara-on-the-Lake. He enjoyed fishing in the creek, riding horses and building forts. At 9, he accepted Christ at a Leighton Ford crusade, In grade 10, he was baptized at Niagara Fellowship Chapel. He was chair of the sports club and was on the wrestling, lacrosse and football teams at school and played junior B hockey. After high school, he joined his father and brother Dave in farming, He married Monica Goerz in October 1976. The family spent many weeks travelling to places like Florida, enjoying time off from farm work, Over the past 5 years especially, the family grew closer to each other and to God as he encouraged them to depend on God. He loved his com munity, invested time in people and spent many hours drinking coffee with friends and going on various camping and business trips. He was involved in the Tender Fruit Marketing Board, was a member of the St. David's Produce Board of Directors, was a president of the Niagara Minor Hockey Association and was an active member of Orchard Park Bible Church, The past few years he coached minor hockey, His faith in the Lord carried him through both joyous and challenging times, including 2 hailstorms, 2 barn fires and the fulfillment of his dream to create Willow Lake Ventures, to grow ice wine grapes. He is mourned by Monica; children Jessica, Ben and Nicole; and his parents. The funeral was Mar. 8 in Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, with Ray Russell ministering.