James Fregosi

February 14, 2014
James Fregosi

James Louis Fregosi, Sr., 71, of Tarpon Springs, FL, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2014 surrounded by his beloved wife, Joni, and 5 children Jim Jr., Jennifer, Nicole, Robert, and Lexi.

Jim was born in San Francisco, CA to Archie and Margaret Fregosi, the youngest of their 3 children. As he grew up he had a natural talent for athletics but ultimately, baseball captured his heart. He spent his professional years as a major league player, manager, and scout in the game he so dearly loved. Many referred to him as ?Big Jim? or ?Skipper? throughout his life and his charismatic presence will be sorely missed by all. Jim lived life to the fullest and cherished his children and grandchildren with as much fervor and dedication as he had for the game of baseball. Family and fishing were his passions.

Jim is survived by his wife, Joni, of 27 years, his 5 children: sons Jim Jr. and Robert, daughters Jennifer (Pickler), Nicole, and Lexi, his beloved grandchildren: Jimmy III, Katelyn, Joey Fregosi and Brett and Hope Pickler.

To honor the request of my loving husband we are to ?celebrate his life? not mourn his death. We invite family and friends to his celebration of life on Friday February 21, 2014 at Crescent Oaks Country Club from 7:30-9:30pm. The family respectfully requests any condolences be sent to Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home in New Port Richey, FL. Memorial donations can be given to The Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation (www.pbsfonline.com) and/or The Wounded Warriors Project.


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  • February 14, 2014
    Mary Smith says:
    My sincere condolences to the family. Your loved one will be missed by many. May you be comforted by God during this sad time. Ps. 65:2

  • February 14, 2014
    rich tana says:
    a man's man that was always a gentleman. a tip of the cap to you. god bless

  • February 14, 2014
    Array says:
    SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS,MAY YOU RECEIVE GOD'S BLESSINGS.....N

  • February 14, 2014
    Array says:
    My deepest sympathy to family and friends of Jim Fregosi,
    "Whereas you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then disappears." -James 4:14

  • February 14, 2014
    Michael V. Rotello says:
    My condolences to the Fregosi Family. I am a 61 year old fan of the New York Yankees who as a young follower of baseball always liked Jim as a player even though he did not play for "my team". He was a good ballplayer and a good manager. I met him when he came to Rockford when he managed the White Sox for a fan fest. He seemed like a great guy.

    May his soul be granted eternal rest.

  • February 14, 2014
    Rhonda Campbell says:
    The greatest Angel baseball player ever, number 11. Baseball lost a great one. Rest in peace.

  • February 14, 2014
    Jay & Sharon Pinsky says:
    Sincerest condolences to your wife and family. You were truly a fine gentleman, and will be missed.

  • February 14, 2014
    Array says:
    MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY AT THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME. PSALMS 68:68:19 SAYS God daily carries our load.

  • February 14, 2014
    DHS says:
    I had his baseball card when I was kid. I remember him from that special time and I remember now. Moment of silence. RIP

  • February 14, 2014
    Jeff Sileo says:
    Very sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was a great friend of my late father from his days having dinner at our family's restaurant in Scranton, Pa back in the early 90's.
    My thoughts and prayers are with Jim's entire family during this difficult time.
    RIP Jimmy

  • February 14, 2014
    Array says:
    To Joni and family,

    I am so sorry to hear about Jim's passing ,it has been a long time since I have seen both of you and you are in my prayers .

    MY deepest Sympathy,

    Les Naiman
    Louisville, ky

  • February 15, 2014
    A Am says:
    Dear family, I am sorry to hear of your loss, may you all find comfort by drawing close to God during this difficult time. James 4:8

  • February 15, 2014
    Christopher Parr says:
    I recall Jim Fregosi's brief tenure as manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. Only one stop in a remarkable baseball career, in a major league life. As an Atlanta Braves fan I mourn with the players, the organization, the fans and the Fregosi family. Mr.Fregosi you are now in the presence of the Lord and now at peace.

  • February 15, 2014
    John Pritchard says:
    Jim was great to me and my family. He will never be forgotten!

  • February 15, 2014
    Bruce Benedict says:
    Mourning the loss of a very special man and close friend. Sending thoughts and prayers to Jim's family. A father figure to all who knew him; I will miss him.
    Bruce Benedict

  • February 15, 2014
    Array says:
    Dear Fregosi family: We are never prepared for a death of a loved one it is the hardest things we can go though so please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more for this has been promised to us. With my deepest condolences.

  • February 15, 2014
    Array says:
    I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)

  • February 15, 2014
    Andy Loscalzo says:
    Fregosi Family---I had the pleasure of meeting Jim in 1994 as his physical therapist for his back pain. The best sports stories are baseball stories and Jim provided many funny ones! Our deepest sympathy to Joni & their marvelous kids! Our love and thoughts are with you all!
    The Loscalzo Family
    Tarpon Springs, Fl.

  • February 15, 2014
    J Fluke says:
    I got to meet Jim and Joni coaching their son Robbies basketball team. Just great people. To this day I still use a line that Jim told me when I asked him what he thought about club soccer. Jim looked at me and said, "You know why they have club soccer programs don't ya? To keep the parents off the streets." I'll never forget that. Peace to the family

  • February 15, 2014
    Dominique Anderson says:
    Sorry to hear of your lost, death is no easy matter and my prayers are with you and your family (psalms 68:20)

  • February 15, 2014
    Array says:
    I'm sorry for your loss. I would like to give my condolences to the family. May God help you in times of distress.

  • February 15, 2014
    Los Angeles Seafood Council says:
    Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.

  • February 15, 2014
    Array says:
    May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

  • February 15, 2014
    J. Wormley says:
    My deepest condolences goes out to the Family of Jim Fregosi. During this difficult time know that you are not alone, you have the loving support of your family and friends. Please find comfort in knowing that God knows how you feel and he wants you to throw your burden on him because he cares for you.

  • February 15, 2014
    Tony Logue says:
    As a young kid watching the Angels play in old Muny stadium in Cleveland, Ohio a fan by me caught a foul ball. Needless to say, I was dejected that I didn't catch it. The inning shortly ended and Mr. Fregosi must have noticed this 8 years old dejected face and handed me a ball. I'm a lot older now and never forgot that act of putting a smile on a little boy's face. Truly, what and why we admired ballplayers then and I think still now.

  • February 15, 2014
    Array says:
    A most durable SS, perennial All-Star and one of my favorite players from childhood. Catch you on the Field of Dreams, Jim. With heartfelt sympathy to the entire Fregosi family.

  • February 15, 2014
    Tom L says:
    I was fortunate to see him as a player when I was a kid living in So Cal. Had this baseball card showing him batting left (he played a trick on the photographer).
    Godspeed to a great baseball guy and a class act.

  • February 15, 2014
    Array says:
    An unforgettable guy! We tipped a few with friends after the games at Adamo's. All the condolences to his family.

    O. Kahle

  • February 15, 2014
    Harry Simpson says:
    Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

  • February 15, 2014
    Tina morgan says:
    Please accept my condolences for your loss may these words bring comfort for the whole family at 1Corrinth 15:54,55 Death is swallow up forever. I HOPE THESE promise from GOD will bring a hope for the future and a calm heart now TINA LOS ANGELES

  • February 15, 2014
    Angelo Secreto says:
    A great representative of the game, keen he worked for my beloved Atlanta Braves over the last plus decade.

  • February 15, 2014
    G Alexander says:
    To the Fregosi Family, My deepest sympathy goes out to you at this. May you find comfort in knowing that you're in the thoughts and prayers of many. As Almighty God is the hearer of prayers, I pray that you find fulfilment in these words recorded at Psalms147:3. "He heals the brokenhearted; He binds up their wound.

  • February 15, 2014
    Array says:
    I had the priviledge to be an Angels fan while Jim palyed for the Angels. I had met him several times and he proved to be an outstanding gentleman as well as a player who listen to his fans.
    He will be missed as the first Angels superstar and as a player's player. An outstanding guy.
    I wish blessings on his family during these difficult times.
    All the best,
    Dee Chester

  • February 15, 2014
    Scott Preston Hardy says:
    None of his baseball cards ever touched a spoke on my bicycle, which is the highest compliment a kid can pay a ballplayer.

    Rest In Peace, Jim Fregosi.

  • February 15, 2014
    Richard Herrick says:
    R.I.P.
    I met Jim Fregosi in 1960's

  • February 15, 2014
    Guy Crawford says:
    As a kid, I spent many a summer evening in 1960 watching Jim Fregosi play third base for Mr. Herbert's Cowboys at historic Kokernot Field in Alpine, Texas. It was the only time he was a real Texas cowboy. Those were good days where I learned to love baseball. Condolences to his family and baseball.

  • February 16, 2014
    F.M. Bright says:
    Another wonderful baseball man has left us,top notch player,manager and expert on talent and the way the game should be played honestly and with passion.God bless you skip.(thanks for '93)

  • February 16, 2014
    Jane Reilly Kennedy says:
    Joni you and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers. I met Jim only once but it was a great night of storytelling!

  • February 16, 2014
    Don McLeod says:
    Jim Fregosi was on of the best players on the Angels in the 60's. I saw him play many times. He was good to the fans before games as well. R.I.P.

  • February 16, 2014
    Array says:
    Sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the hearer of prayer at this time. Psalm 65:2

  • February 16, 2014
    The Herrock Family says:
    Joni, Our thoughts and prayers are always with you. You and Jim are two of the most highly respected and good hearted people we have ever known. We'll never forget all you and Jim have done for us and the many memories we cherish with the two of you and your family. God will carry you through this.

  • February 16, 2014
    Benjamin Benoit says:
    Jim helped fill a void for me, when my father passed. Jim was someone that I could discuss Baseball with, even though he knew I didn't know what I was talking about. He was patient enough to let me ramble on, without judgement. I was looking forward to seeing him the next time, as the Baseball season was drawing nearer. I hope Baseball can be as healing for the Fregosi family, during this time of mourning, as it was for me.

  • February 16, 2014
    thomas MCginn says:
    Im59 big fan awesome man great passion a fighter I'm sure a lover the world lost a great leader of men god bless rip big jim

  • February 16, 2014
    Rick Foster says:
    Great man

  • February 17, 2014
    Array says:
    Soon death will be no more

  • February 17, 2014
    Array says:
    With deepest sympathy to the Fregosi Family.

    May the Hearer of Prayer (Psalm 83:18;Psalm 65:2) grant you strength, courage and the sweetest peace during your time of sorrow. And may you always cherish the many precious and fond memories of times spent with Jim.

    Juanita, Jacksonville, Fla.

  • February 17, 2014
    Array says:
    MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY MAY GODS WORDS BRING YOU COMFORT DURING THIS TIME. HE WILL ACTUALLY SWALLOW UP DEATH FOREVER AND CERTAINLY WIPE TEARS FROM ALL FACES IS 25:8

  • February 17, 2014
    Bob Searles says:
    jim was a real good guy, met him with my dad, Video Bob, who worked for the Phillies and Cubs. Baseball will miss you

  • February 17, 2014
    Ann Kleinschmidt says:
    Dearest Fregosi Family,
    Thank You so much for sharing Jim with us! We will always be Greatful and Thankful for the Wild Ride and Wonderful Memories of 1993! May it help to know that others are sharing your loss and feeling your pain deeply. Rest In Peace Jim. Sending Peace Strength Comfort and Guidance to your family during this difficult and sad time.
    Love Hugs and Prayers to all,

  • February 17, 2014
    Roxanne Schaal Reynolds says:
    I have such wonderful memories of watching Jim play in Anaheim. My heart goes out to his family and friends.