James Victor Fredholm

James Victor Fredholm was born January 13th, 1937, to Helen and Victor Fredholm.  He and his sister Jill grew up in Brooklyn while spending summers in East Rockaway.  Jim lived in various areas of Long Island his whole life. When not in NY, his favorite place to spend time was his house in Naples, Maine.   

     Jim started his professional life working as a butcher in his early twenties. Shortly after, he tapped into his natural skill with numbers, and began working on Wall St. as a margin clerk.  Later, he would take his talents to Farr Man, & Co, which included many years in Manhattan's World Trade Center.      

     Jim was an avid sports fan, and especially enjoyed baseball, football, and golf.  He loved the Brooklyn Dodgers growing up, but ultimately became a die-hard fan of the NY Mets from day #1. One of his most cherished Mets memories was when he attended the final game of their World Series Championship in 1969.  He also ardently supported the New York Giants, and was a season-ticket holder for over 40 years. 

     Jim's many hobbies were well-known to his friends and family.  He took great interest in collecting antique German beer steins, and thoroughly enjoyed his time as a member of the Thirsty Knights and the Burgermeisters. Jim also loved to cook.  Many evenings were spent over the BBQ or the stove preparing a delicious cut of meat, and he would gladly provide you with a Tupperware container full of his delicious pea soup.  He also loved watching a variety of movies and TV shows, especially anything from Alfred Hitchcock.

     Of all his passions, though, none matched Jim's love for music. He was particularly interested in singing classical choral works, and performed extensively for more than 80 years. Without exaggeration, Jim's love for singing shaped the course of his entire life. Some of his closest friendships were forged by shared love for singing, especially in conjunction with the church. Through music, Jim not only found enjoyment and enrichment, but also a source of strength and inspiration during difficult times.  Over the course of his life, Jim performed with numerous groups, including the Collegiate Chorale, The Huntington Choral Society, The Hofstra Chamber Singers, and many church choirs such as St Paul's (Brooklyn) , St. John's (Cold Spring Harbor), and St. Peter's (Bay Shore).  Notably, he recently chronicled his robust singing experiences in his autobiography, "Eighty Years of Singing (With a Little Life in Between)".

     Jim was always thinking.  His brain, especially his memory, was quite impressive. He enjoyed exercising it by solving puzzles and trivia questions (which he then loved sharing with others). Jim had a strategy and plan for almost everything, and had the determination to make sure his plans were carried out with precision.  Jim's ability to approach a challenge with wise pragmatism (and some wise-cracking comments) was one of his hallmark traits, along with his overall strength and independent spirit.

     All that being said, Jim's greatest quality was probably his heart.  At his core, Jim Fredholm was a helper.  He was exceptionally generous to those around him who were in need.  Simply put, he cared.  Jim served as an inspiration to those who knew him.  

     On April 8th, 2022, James Victor Fredholm passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 85.  He is survived by his sister Jill, brother-in-law Kenneth, son Daniel, daughter Kristin, his grandchildren, Emilia, Meagan, and Andrew, his nephews Bill and Jim, and his cousins. He was preceded in death by his Son Curt, and many other of his beloved relatives. Jim's passing leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of those who knew him.  Despite our grief, we take comfort in knowing he will live on in our memories and will be watching (and singing) over us from above. 

      In lieu of flowers, Jim requested that donations be made to the music program of St. Peter's by the Sea, Bay Shore, NY."