Obituary for James “Jim” Frazier

James M. Frazier

(April 23, 1918 – February 2, 2016)

James (Jim) Marvin Frazier, 97, passed away at his home in Blackwell, Oklahoma, on Tuesday, February 2, 2016.

He was born on April 23, 1918, in Blackwell, to James Milburn and Bertha Elizabeth Cross Frazier. He was one of eight children and grew up on the Blackwell family farm obtained in the Land Run. Jim graduated from Blackwell High School where he excelled at baseball and was offered the opportunity to play professional baseball. In 1938, he graduated from Northern Oklahoma Junior College in Tonkawa. In 1939, Jim married Ruby Jane Tarpenning, who was the love of his life for nearly 70 years. After accepting a job with the F.B.I. in Washington, D.C., he received a Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University. With the onset of WWII, Jim entered the army and Officer’s Candidate School, and then served his country as lieutenant in the military police in China. He was awarded the Bronze star for his meritorious service during the war and later rose to the rank of captain. During his tour overseas, his son Merle was born in 1945.

Jim spent much of his postwar career working as comptroller for the Blackwell Zinc Smelter. In 1972, he moved with the company to Tucson, Arizona, where he remained until his retirement. In 1999, the couple moved back to Blackwell to be closer to family. His son, extended family and his Christian faith were important aspects of his life. Jim and R.J. loved playing cards, traveling and spending summer vacations in Aspen,Colorado, where he became a master fisherman.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and his siblings Milburn, Virgil, Jack,Ethel, Grace, Leona and Sybil.

He is survived by his son, Merle of Aspen, Colorado, and many nephews and nieces.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 8th in the First Christian Church in Blackwell with Rev. Jeff Koch officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery, Blackwell, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be Rex Ackerson, Virgil Ackerson, Mark Ackerson, JoDel Shepherd and Myron Mott. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Dean Bishop, Larry Wood, Jack Frazier, James Alan Frazier, Don Frazier and Chris Hochderffer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests making contributions in his honor to the First Christian Church of Blackwell in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.