James Louis Fradette (Jim) passed away unexpectedly on September 29, 2022. He was born on November 2, 1933, in Radisson, Wisconsin to John Hastings Fradette and Genevieve Wellen Fradette.
He was raised and attended school in northern Wisconsin, graduating from Minong High School. Jim enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict, serving in the Philippines and the Marianas Islands. After being honorably discharged, he came to Helena in 1958 at the suggestion of his Navy buddy Don Pullin to find work. Here he met and married Diann Cleveland. They were happily married for 63 years.
Jim took advantage of the GI Bill graduating with a BA degree in Education from Montana State University in 1961, the year their son David was born. His first teaching position was on the Highline in rural Inverness where he taught 7th and 8th Grade. The family moved back to Helena in 1963 where he taught at the Helena Junior High School. Their son John was born in 1964.
In 1968 the year his third son Donald was born, he accepted a position at East Helena Elementary School teaching 5th grade classes. Jim found his calling teaching 10-year-olds in a stimulating learning environment. His classroom was a menagerie of fish, turtles, and hamsters, along with two banty hens and a rooster. Retiring in 1992 after teaching 30 years, he went to work for his summer employer Reynolds and Associates.
Jim was known by his colleagues, friends and family for his fine, crazy, fun sense of humor which will be missed by all who knew him. He was an avid reader of history and science all his life. At home, he was a wonderful bread maker and sourdough chef of Sunday morning pancakes. He always had a beautiful yard and garden with plants he started in under lights in his basement. In his later years, Jim was a conscientious caretaker of the Brackman, Cleveland, Krout, Fradette cabin near Unionville.
He is preceded in death by his parents and three sisters and brothers-in law. He is survived by his wife Diann; sons David (Cindy), John, and Donald (Shannon); grandsons Patrick, Lucas, and Logan; and great granddaughter Willow.
A graveside service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 14th at Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday July 14, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday July 14, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Patti Borsberry says
Diann and Families, Tim and I are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our whole family is saddened. Jim, being Dad’s best friend and our parents’ best man, takes us back “a few years”, He always had our love and respect. I imagine there are many students out there recalling how Jim touched their lives through his teachings. He was a gentleman and a jokester and will be missed. May memories comfort you all today and in the days ahead. God welcomes Jim home. How glorious it is!
Peace be with you,
Tim and Patti Borsberry
Jean Stump Strainer says
Mr. Fradette was my 5th-grade teacher in 1969 – one of my favorite teachers. It was a joy to reminisce with him about the “good old days”. My condolences to the Fradette family on the loss of such a kind man. May the perpetual light shine upon him, and may God bless you all with fond memories of Jim.
Mary Lou Wolstein says
Ed and I were so saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. We know how much he meant to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. He was such a good man and may the good times you all shared help to comfort you in this time of grief.
Mary McCullough Phelps says
Diane, I’m so sorry to read of your husbands passing. May you be comforted as time goes on.
Love
Mary McCullough Phelps
Linda Netschert says
Mr. Fradette was one of my teachers in East Helena. A great guy. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
John, hugs to you and your family.
Linda (St. Clair) Netschert
Tamara E Jackson says
I am so sorry to learn of his death, Mr. Fradette was a wonderful man. I remember his sense of humor and his genuine warmth clearly. As a 5th grader, I loved his classroom! I am so thankful he recognized and nurtured my love of science, it ultimately helped lead me to my career in healthcare. I remember he suggested that my mom purchase a subscription to Science Digest for me, so I could be exposed to all the wondrous findings of the time back when there was no internet. He improved so many lives, may his memory be a comfort.
My love to the entire family, I know you will miss him terribly.
Tamara (Bonner) Jackson
Cindy Ross - Johnson says
Mr Fradedette was one of my most favorite teachers at Clinton Street School in East Helena! He will always hold a fond place in my heart! Sending lots of prayers and lots of comforting thoughts to his family….
Cindy Ross - Johnson says
Mr Fradette was one of my most favorite teachers at Clinton Street School in East Helena! He will always hold a fond place in my heart! Sending lots of prayers and lots of comforting thoughts to his family….
Skip Hatveldt/Lynda Hatveldt says
Diane-Lynda and I are sadden to learn of the passing of Jim. Our loving thoughts and prayers go out to you and family. God bless you for the beautiful memories of Jim.
Lori Kroll says
Diann,
Sorry for the loss of your husband. May he rest in Peace.
Marie Kall says
Diann,
I’m so sorry for your loss! Please accept my deepest sympathy. Marie
Neta Carter says
I was a substitute teacher and had the pleasure of meeting him. After all these 30 years later I remember him of what a great person he was. Sorry to read of his sudden passing.
Neta Carter
Greg and Cathy Kovich says
Diann, Dave,, John,, Donald and Families, We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s sudden passing. He was meant to serve his country with my Dad, which brought him to Helena . Here he met the love of his life, raised his children, shared his talents and ouched many lives. We feel lucky to have been part of itt. May all of the wonderful memories of a humorous and special man replace the sorrow in time. You are and will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Kelly Stanley-McNurlin says
I’m sorry to learn about Mr. Fradette’s passing. I, too had him as a 5th grade teacher. In fact Tamara (posted a message earlier) and I were friends and I believe we had him for homeroom. He was a great teacher, and played the balance well between putting his foot down and being flexible. He was also one of my favorites too. Prayers to his friends and family.
Doug Stipcich says
I’m also sorry to learn of Mr. Fradette’s passing. I as well was one of his 5th grade students in East Helena. Was a great educator and by all other accounts a stand up citizen. I recall ending up on the wrong side of the discipline that Kelly mentions a time or two. Prayers going out to his family and friends.
RIP Mr. Fradette.
Joe Moore says
You cannot think of growing up in East Helena without thinking of Mr. Fradette. He was one of the stalwarts of the Est Helena schools. My condolences to the Fradette family and know that he made a difference in thousands of kids lives.
Kathy & Joe Riedel says
Diann and family, Joe and I are so very sorry to learn about Jim’s passing. We have fond memories of meeting you and Jim at the Krout reunions over the years. We really appreciated getting to “camp out” one time at the family cabin and admired the work he did to keep things repaired and running.
Our sincerest condolences to you all.
God bless.
Kathy & Joe Riedel
Bill Covey says
When I think of Jim, many memories come to mind. One seems to stand out the most, “the one armed Fiddler joke”. Diane knows and the people that worked with Jim in the early years at the Clinton Street School. Your wonderful personality, thoughtfulness and humor is missed by the many who were lucky enough to know him.
RIP Jim
Sheila Covey says
One of my many memories of Jim is when he and his two comrades showed up with sleeping bags at Magies birthday slumber party. Glinda said “oh my god they even corrupted little Ronnie Whitmoyer”