Retired Lt. Gen. James F. Fretterd of Federalsburg died early Saturday, Nov., 26, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Staten Island, N.Y. on Nov., 2, 1930; he was 86 years old.

“Gen. Fretterd served the State of Maryland and our nation with great honor and distinction," said Gov. Larry Hogan.  "He leaves a legacy of achievement that will forever stand as an example of selfless service and commitment for Maryland’s Citizen Soldiers and Airmen.”

Fretterd served 52 years in the Maryland National Guard, he joined in 1951 until his retirement in January 2003.

He served as Adjutant General of Maryland from February 1987 to January, 2003. His assignments were varied and challenging.  He served as a company commander and later S3 of the 2nd Battalion, 115th Infantry.

He later served as commander of the 115th Military Police Battalion. He became the chief of staff of the Headquarters Detachment of the Maryland Army National Guard in December 1976. He became the assistant adjutant general of the Maryland Army National Guard in October 1981 and was appointed as adjutant general in February 1987.

Fretterd received a direct appointment as a 2nd Lieutenant in July 1956.  He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology for the University of the State of New York. He also was a graduate of the Army Command and Staff College and graduated from the Senior Reserve Commander’s course for the Army War College.

Among his many military decorations are the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Distinguished Service Cross, state of Maryland.

Fretterd was preceded by his wife, Ellen, in 2010 and is survived by two daughters, Linda Earls of Greensboro, Md., and Laura Patrick of Harrington; and four grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec., 2, at the Fretterd Community Center at 107 S. Fourth Street in Denton.

There will be a public visitation at the Fretterd Community Center from 1 until 5 p.m. and from 6 until 8 p.m. on Thursday and one hour before the service on Friday. The interment will be in the Bloomery Cemetery in Smithville, Md.