Frazee, James (Jim) W. Jr.

James W. Frazee, 88

James (Jim) W. Frazee Jr. passed away peacefully with his wife, Anita, by his side on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012. Jim was born on Feb. 10, 1924, to James and Pearl Frazee of Marion, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm north of Marion with his four older sisters.

Upon graduation from Marion High School, Jim attended Iowa State University until he joined the Army Air Corp in 1942. He flew a B-24 Liberator Bomber and his favorite, the Stearman. He had great love for his country and pride for his military service.

After his honorable discharge in 1944, he returned to Marion where he continued to farm the land where he was born until his retirement at age 70. In 1949, Jim was appointed secretary and treasurer of the newly formed Linn-Mar Community School District. In 1967, he chose a new career path in computer science at the Cedar Rapids School district and retired from the computer administrative department at Kirkwood Community College.

Jim's greatest love was flying and he shared wonderful stories of his experiences with his family that we will treasure forever. He loved to golf and in June 1997 he had his first hole in one at Indian Creek Country Club in Marion followed by another at El Santiago Golf Course in The Villages. Jim enjoyed boating, ice skating on the family pond and playing tennis. He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids.

Jim will be remembered as a thoughtful and gentle man, who loved and lived his life with great wisdom and wit.

He is survived by his wife, Anita; his sons, James Frazee lll and Jay Frazee; his daughters, Molly Shumway, Christal Stewart, Colleen Sova and Lisa Nichoalds; his 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Laura Peterson, Bernice Moothart, Mildred Voss and Jean Vogel; and grandson, James Frazee I.V.

Visitation will start at 9 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Chapel, The Villages. Burial with military honors will follow at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Cornerstone Hospice of The Villages.

Friends are invited to share their memories at .

Published in The Gazette Feb. 14, 2012.