James W. Frederick

James Walter Frederick, age 97, passed away quietly at his home with

family and devoted caregivers at his side.


He was born February 3, 1920 in Dunkirk, NY to Karl and Eleanor Frederick.

On February 13, 1943 he married Carol Mutz, who passed away in July 2015.

Jim and Carol were married for 72 years and had one daughter who lives in Leland.

They were very fortunate throughout their long happy lives enjoying good health,

success, extensive travel and many life-long friendships.


Together, in 1959, they founded Boride Products, Inc. in the basement of their

home in Birmingham, MI. Boride, a manufacturing company, which produces

high-tech, and industrial ceramic products grew significantly upon moving to

Traverse City, MI in 1970. The business was sold to Dow Chemical in 1984.


During World War II Jim served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He primarily

flew in B-29 Bombers both as a navigator and bombardier.

After the war he attended the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, NY. Blessed with a well-

ordered mind he had a talent for both accounting and engineering. He thrived on

precision and often quipped that measurements for his numerous projects needed to be

"Frederick Perfect." The origins of his perfectionism were documented in his high school

year book where his caption read, "I Like Everything Neat."


Jim served on the Munson Healthcare Board, the Leelanau Memorial Hospital Board,

the Leland Volunteer Fire Department Board, and participated in many other

civic organizations. His family was surprised to learn that he had mentored young

students aspiring to become entrepreneurs. No doubt these students were told the

story of how he got his start in business. The story revolves around Jim picking up a

hitchhiker, a Frenchman, who happened to be well versed in high density industrial

ceramic materials. A few trips to France and the rest is history.


While Jim never took his golf game seriously, he enjoyed his golfing buddies

at both the Leland Country Club and Moorings Club in Vero Beach, FL. Most of all,

this unassuming man enjoyed a robust walk in the woods with his family and much

loved dogs. He loved all animals, especially dogs and would continually marvel at

the miracles of nature.


Family was always his first priority. No matter what else was happening he made

himself available. He had the wisdom to handle troubled times with encouragement,

optimism and compassion. As a Dad he had a knack for creating absolutely thrilling

childhood bedtime stories. Indeed he was a wonderful husband and father.


In addition to his daughter Judy Frederick, Jim is survived by his brother Duane

Frederick of Gasport, NY, many nieces and nephews, a granddog "Perry" and his loyal

team of caregivers who became like family after many years of service.


He was preceded in death by his cherished wife Carol, and brothers Donald Frederick

and Paul Frederick.


Jim loved to laugh and reserved the best of his quick wit and sly humor for his closest

friends and family. We will break out the "Dewars" to toast our friend. He was a

true gentleman until the very end.


A graveside service and memorial reception are being planned for early summer.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Leland Volunteer Fire Department, PO

Box 1112, Leland, MI 49654, ShareCare of Leelanau, 740 E. Duck Lake Road, Lake

Leelanau, MI 49653, or a charity of one's choice.


Please leave memories of Jim at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home web site:

www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com