James Allen (Jim) Fronheiser

James Allen (Jim) Fronheiser, 77, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Gainesville, GA on April 4, 2018, after a valiant battle against an extremely rare form of bladder cancer. Jim faced cancer like he faced all adversity--with courage. He retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years. 

Jim went on to serve as a Deputy Sheriff at the Hampton Sheriff Department, Hampton, VA, from May 1980 to May 1995. From there he worked at Gateway Computers in Hampton, VA at their new assembly and distribution facility for 2 years before Gateway went Bankrupt. After that he retired and we joked he was a kept man!

Jim was born December 2, 1940 in Palmerton, PA to his parents, Clyde William Franklin and Jennie Ester (Greene) Fronheiser. He had two brothers, Richard and Russel. His mother worked in the Orchards and his father worked in the PA Zinc Company. Jim joined his mother during harvest season in the Orchards.

He met his wife, W. Michelle Fronheiser, of nearly 35 years, on Valentine’s Day 1978. He picked her up, brought her to her first military assignment, the Dental Clinic, where they would work together for 3 years before he retired. He didn’t come empty handed, though, he brought her a chocolate heart. This would be a day both would remember the rest of their life as the day they met their future spouses.

He is survived by his son and daughter-n-law from Norman, OK, Joey and Heather and his grandchildren, Jack, Luke, (Norman, OK) and Brittany McCluer (San Antonio, TX) and great granddaughter, Liz. They were the light of his life. He is also survived by his his sister-n-law, Darla Pence and his nephews, Will Pence, and, Christopher Pence (a US Navy Pilot), Chris’ wife Jessemyn Pence and son, Brayden Pence; Nephew Trevor Fronheiser; son Jay and daughter, Zoe (both in Florida) and three grandchildren by Zoe. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Richard and Russel along with many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

The Fronheiser Family will hold a service Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Hillside Chapel Funeral Home in Gainesville, GA, with a reception immediately following. Hopefully this will give out of town family and friends an opportunity to attend. Funeral arrangements are provided by the Hillside Chapel Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Flowers may be sent to Hillside Chapel or the Fronheiser Home; donations may be sent to Winship Cancer Institute. Please designate the donation to Bladder Cancer in Jim Fronheiser’s Name. He was in awe of how well they took care of him at every visit—making sure he was comfortable, bringing warm blankets, etc. Here is the donation link:

Online condolences may be made at www.hillsidechapelfuneralhome.com

Hillside Chapel Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1190 McEver Rd. Gainesville, GA is in charge of arrangements.