James Edward Frese

James Edward Frese, 80, died peacefully September 16, 2022 at Rocky Mountain Care - Willow Springs in Tooele, Utah with his wife at his side.

James was born December 18, 1941 in Junction City, Kansas to Emerson and Ina (Carlton) Frese. His childhood was spent with his parents and seven brothers and sisters on their dairy farm near Alta Vista, Kansas. He graduated from Alta Vista High School as valedictorian in 1960. He received his B.S. degree in Mathematics & Physics from Kansas State University and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1964. While attending boot camp, he was recognized as the “Soldier of the Cycle”. James worked 32 years at the West Desert Test Center at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, which is designated as the U.S. Army’s Major Range and Test Facility Base for chemical and biological defense testing.

James is survived by his wife Rebecca Vasquez Frese, daughter Margarita Maggie Pearson (Joe Hansen), son-in-law Glynn Pearson, 4 grandchildren Natasha Frese, Mikel Frese, Justice Pearson, and Aiden Wilder, his 7 siblings Norman (Carol) Frese, Arlene (Gary) Friedli, Vicki (Larry) Nolder, John (Jill) Frese, Larry (Dawn) Frese, Daniel (Donna) Frese, Lori (Richard) McDiffett. He was preceded in death by his son Louis Emerson Frese, great-grandson Jadon Frese, parents Emerson and Ina (Carlton) Frese, and parentsin- law Luis and Margarita Vasquez.

Besides spending time with friends and family, James had a passion for hiking, watching sports (especially The Utah Jazz and Kansas State University), snowshoeing, skiing, and running. He was an active member of the Wasatch Mountain Club. James had a contagious smile, and when he did talk it was either something very educational or funny.

Family and friends are invited to attend a condolences meeting at Saint Marguerite Catholic Church (15 S. 7th Street, Tooele, Utah 84074) on October 1, 2022 at 9:30 am MST, with Mass at 10 am MST, and with a luncheon to follow next door. Final resting place will be in Alta Vista, Kansas.