Moving to the Flying H with a young family in 1984, Jim and Patty are now the senior citizens of the Ranch. Although Jim began his service here as the elementary teacher for the staff and community (Nile Christian School), he became a full-time Hope Academy (resident boys) math teacher and youth service staff in 1998. In 2003 he took on the role of Family Services Director as well, and he thoroughly enjoyed his connection with enquiring parents leading them through the application process to enrollment. Because of serious health issues, he reluctantly handed over this position in 2019. He is grateful to be able to serve in a limited way as he works through treatments 

Patty has always enjoyed the food service and hospitality angle of the Ranch. For many years she added that to an English teaching schedule. When she took on the Domestic Services directorship in 2008, she pulled out of full-time teaching in order to focus on the kitchen needs. In 2022 she handed over this role but still continues to play an active part in planning and food services. She still gets her English fix by continuing to teach public speaking, poetry memorization, and grammar one day every couple of weeks. All the Frieds’ children graduated from high school here at the Flying H (Nile Christian) and continued on to more education and marriage. The family has now expanded from 7 (5 children) to 32 (20 grandchildren in 2020). The Flying H is much more than a job to the Frieds. It is home.