Jonathan Thomas Frey, father, mentor, sponsor, and 37-year friend of Bill W., passed away peacefully at his home in Kansas City, Missouri on June 28, 2021, at the age of 83.
Jonathan was born on August 12, 1937, in Great Bend, KS to the late Frank E. and Gladys Frey and grew up on the family farm with his younger sisters, Beverly Frey Nichols of Great Bend, Kansas and the late Karen Kathleen Frey. During his school years, he was active in basketball, track, choir, operetta, and band. He was a member of the St. Patrick’s Church choir and performed a solo of Silent Night during the Christmas Eve Mass for many years. His particular love and talent was playing the trumpet where he participated in brass quartet and sextet, receiving honors and awards in both school and state competitions.
Jonathan was never destined to stay home and farm; from a young age he dreamt of travel and adventure. He left Great Bend with his trumpet to pursue music at Wichita State University. His college earnings were supplemented by working for a musical instrument company selling accordions door to door. Perhaps it was here that his gift for sales was first realized; he was to become a much sought-after candidate in several high-level sales and marketing roles in the furniture industry which spanned an over 50-year career with several Fortune 500 companies, most recently with Guardsman Chemical as VP of Sales and Consulting.
A born leader, Jonathan had a true passion for helping others, and he was a sponsor within the AA community for over 30 years. He traveled to countless U.S. cities, speaking to and mentoring those who, like himself, wished to get and stay sober. He believed in making amends and the discipline of restitution as outlined in the AA Big Book. He attracted people from all walks of life with his unique charisma and motivational speaking. Within the AA community, he was called The Oracle in Atlanta and The Professor in Great Bend. In later years, he followed the principles of Stoicism.
Jonathan loved sports and had a lifelong passion for cars while following the auto racing sports world. In the 70’s, he loved the Dallas Cowboys, but in later years, he was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. He had fond and exciting memories of Michigan yacht clubs and boating the Great Lakes. He practiced windsurfing, was a jogger, and never passed an opportunity to show up at the gym. This was countered by his absolute love of food – whether gourmet, home-cooked, or local fare. Most importantly to his children, Jonathan was a total movie buff, and many enjoyable times were had simply watching great shows with his family. However, his earliest love never left him, and music was always to have great significance in his life. From singing in church, attending the symphony and rock concerts, to playing his favorite tunes, Jonathan wanted to experience music in all its forms.
Jonathan was preceded in death by Joyce Minton, the mother of his surviving children: Rene Weese (Paul), Kristy Hennessey (Benji), Brian Frey, and Erin Stangel (Tomas). He is survived by Barbara Frey, the mother of his surviving children: Ryan Frey and Marissa Frey. He is survived by his sister Beverly Frey Nichols and nephew Shonny Nichols. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at the Great Bend Cemetery in Great Bend, Kansas on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Jonathan will be inurned in the Frey family plot alongside his father, mother, and youngest sister. Arrangements are by Charter Funerals of Great Bend, Kansas. Online condolences may be left for the family at http//www.chartergreatbend.com or at http//www.passantinobros.com.