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James F. "Fritz" Day

1949 - 2018

James F. "Fritz" Day obituary, 1949-2018, Durango, CO

BORN

1949

DIED

2018

James Day Obituary

James F. "Fritz" Day, 69, passed away October 28, 2018, at his home in Yachats, Oregon. He was born in 1949 to Stan and Evelyn Day. He graduated from Durango High School in 1967 and enlisted in the Navy. He served 4 years and was in Vietnam on the carrier Oriskany for 1 tour. Fritz is the great-grandson of David F. Day, Editor of The Solid Muldoon in Ouray, CO in 1879 and the Durango Democrats in 1882. and the youngest recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for service during the Civil War. Fritz then returned to Durango and graduated from Fort Lewis College. He then went into law enforcement and served in the Sheriff's Dept in Jefferson County (Denver), Payson, AZ (Gila County), and Lincoln County, OR.

Fritz enjoyed fishing, riding his Harley, woodworking, tying flies, and volunteering for several groups and charities.

He is survived by his wife Kathe of 33 years, brother Chuck (Durango), sister Kathy (San Diego), daughter Sarah (Ohio). He retired in 2010 and traded his guns for a fly rod ocean fishing and salmon fishing.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date and he will be buried at sea with the Neptune Society. Donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

He is greatly missed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Nov. 19, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for James Day

Not sure what to say?





Lesianne Lightwine

February 15, 2022

The laughter is what I will remember...

Kristin Hawke

March 11, 2019

I didn't know Fritz well. He stopped to talk to me about my stained glass at an art show in Yachats. He was so knowledgeable and generously sold me all his old supplies and glass. I was just searching to find contact info to tell him I'd be back out there this month when I found he had passed. To his family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine the hole it has left in your lives. But I hope you can find joy in the fact that he was a huge blessing to this artist and gave me the boost my business really needed to get going. My prayers are with you.

December 9, 2018

My sincerest condolences to all of the Day family. Fritz was a great guy, and always brought a smile to your face.. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary Mason Dunbar

December 9, 2018

My sincere condolences to all of the Day family. Fritz was a great guy, and always put a smile on your face..
Mary Mason Dunbar

November 29, 2018

My sincerest condolences to Fritz's family, Chuck and Kathy. Altho' I didn't spend much time with him, I did spend time with his mom and Chuck in High School. Too young to be gone so soon. Sending good thoughts your way to help you cope.
Paula Sartoris Whitehorn
Canon City,Colorado

Kathe Stander

November 26, 2018

I love you and miss you more than words can say.

Bob V.

November 26, 2018

My heartfelt condolences to the Day family. Always cherish the memories that you have and remember that God is always there for us like it tells us at 1Peter 5:6,7. I hope you continue to feel the love and support from your family and friends.

November 24, 2018

Kitty Kasal

Leora White-Davies

November 23, 2018

Fritz was such a good friend in high school, so many laughs. The last time I saw him he had found me in Albuquerque and we spend time catching up and remembering all the fun times. Such a great guy.

Jerry Hickman

November 21, 2018

Had great times in high school, then went into the navy to gather.jest remembering all the good times we had.

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