“OPA” Jim Friemel, lifelong resident of Umbarger, Texas, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the age of 66. He was doing what he loved, checking his cattle, with the one he loved the most at his side.
Jim was born on November 3, 1959, in Canyon, Texas, to Richard D. and Mary (Averbeck) Friemel. He graduated from Canyon High School in 1978 and pursued further studies in risk management and agricultural marketing at West Texas State University in Canyon. He married the love of his life, Melanie Costa of Roy, New Mexico on January 12, 1985. They shared forty- one years of joy, tears, hard work, and dedication together, side by side.
Jim’s passion for agriculture, from farming and ranching to his and Mel’s company, F-Troop Feeders, was defined by a deep sense of ownership and integrity. He famously treated each customer with the same meticulous care of their cattle as if they were his own, approaching every task and conversation with care and intent. His dedication to the industry was further reflected in his service on the Texas Cattle Feeders Association Board of Directors and willingness to share his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
“OPA” cherished his time with his children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Nothing made him happier than rounding up Melanie, the kids, and the chaotic dogs to “tootle around” the property, checking cattle. Whether it was out cutting a rug on the dance floor, playing cards, or throwing horseshoes, his joy was infectious. He also played an un-official role as the family’s heavy-lifter, relocating the rocks of New Mexico to the optimal location in Melanie’s yard (more than a few times per each rock). With a genuine smile that could light up a room, and a heart that held zero regrets, OPA showed us all exactly how to live life, and more importantly, how to love life.
He is survived by his wife Melanie Friemel of Umbarger, Texas; four children, Landon Friemel and his wife Brianna of Wildorado, Texas, Max Friemel and her husband Ted McMenomy of Rosemount, Minnesota, Laramy Friemel and his wife Rachel of Wildorado, Texas, and Cydney Henley and her husband Philip of King William, Virginia; fifteen grandchildren, Madisyn (age 22), Masyn S. (20), Mason J. (14), Breogan (8), Rosaleen (7), Alaina (5), Tadhg(3), Ben (9), Laiken (8), Cole (6), William (11), Ryleigh (9), Brooklyn (8), Warren (5), and James (14mos); siblings, Steve Friemel (Renee) of Amarillo, Texas, Monica Wilhelm (Tim) of Lake Tanglewood, Texas, Denise Schenk (Kevin) of Wildorado, Texas, Fred Friemel (Alicia) of Amarillo, Texas, Grace Hillard (Damon) of Irving, Texas, and Stan Friemel (Annessa) of Canyon, Texas; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Richard D. and Mary Friemel and nephew Drew Friemel.
A viewing and Rosary will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 5-7 pm, at Mendez and Mullins Family Funeral Home in Hereford. Ceremony of Life will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Umbarger at 11 AM on Friday, May 8, 2026, with fellowship, lunch, and drinks following at the home of Melanie Friemel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jim’s honor to Vega FFA, Dawn Volunteer Fire Department, or the Wildorado Cattle Company.