Meet Jim Frey

Jim Frey brings decades of experience in gift and estate planning to the Arts For All board, along with a lifelong passion for music and service. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1945, Jim has built a remarkable career rooted in both financial stewardship and faith-driven philanthropy. He earned his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from The American College of Financial Services in 1975 and went on to lead transformative giving programs across the healthcare and nonprofit sectors.

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His professional journey has included key leadership roles at Prudential Insurance Company, the North American Baptist Conference, Saddleback Community Hospital, and the Sisters of St. Joseph Health System, where he oversaw estate planning efforts across 13 hospitals in California and Texas. Most recently, Jim served full-time at Mission Hospital Foundation in Mission Viejo, where he developed and led their Gift and Estate Planning program until his retirement in 2023.

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But there’s another side to Jim Frey—one that aligns deeply with Arts For All’s mission. A former music major at Jules E. Mastbaum Voc-Tech High School, Jim has spent a lifetime creating and sharing music. From playing electric bass in a rock band during his twenties to marching with the Aqua String Band in Philadelphia’s freezing-cold Mummers Parade, music has always been central to his identity. Today, he continues to play his Martin GPCPA1 Plus guitar in the lobby of Mission Hospital every Friday morning, bringing joy and comfort to patients, staff, and visitors alike.

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Raised by his aunt after the early loss of both parents, Jim’s journey has been marked by resilience, faith, and an unwavering belief in the power of love and service. In May 2025, he celebrated 49 years of marriage with his wife Barbara, and he credits every step of his life to the grace and love of God.

As a board member of Arts For All, Jim combines his professional expertise with his personal passion for music and mentorship—helping ensure that every child, regardless of background, can experience the life-changing power of the arts.