Obituary of james joseph frazier sr.

James Joseph Frazier Sr., 60, of Niceville, Florida passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021. James J. Frazier (Niceville, FL) born February 27, 1961 in Upstate New York. Jim was a Jesus follower, father, fiancé, friend, avid runner, outdoorsman, lover of animals – especially his two cats - and overall a good human. Jim was bitten by the running bug early in life when he won his first award for running a track meet in middle school in 1974 in Moravia, New York. His passion for running continued through high school and during his time in the Air Force. Jim was first place winner at the 1987 Blue Angel Marathon in Pensacola, Florida. He won at least 10 Eagle trophies at the Gate to Gate run on Eglin Air Force Base, holding course records and held many other records for other races because he was amazing at being an overachiever and making us all feel lazy. Jim was a proud veteran of the United State Air Force, serving 20+ years. He was stationed in Hawaii and Italy before he was assigned to the Florida Panhandle, where he raised a family and retired from service. It is hard to define a person by only a few words, but most would describe Jim as being a genuinely nice person who remained humble when winning. In each race, he would customarily thank the participants because he said there would be no race without them. He loved a good time but also was a good person. While the running bug didn’t bite his children, the concept of being kind has helped define his children and grandchildren. Surviving to cherish his memory are his sons, James (wife Mandie), Josh (wife Patricia), chosen daughter Toni (husband Chris), brother David, sister Lisa, grandchildren Peyton, Paxton, Ethan, Olivia, Jack, and Cal, and fiancée Jo Anne Donatella and her family, who considered Jim a treasured member of the clan. He will be forever missed at every family function. Jim had numerous running friends and even those that were not close, knew his friendly and encouraging character. There was no one quite like Jim to lift someone up with a genuine pep talk . He had many friends including his co-workers at the “bus barn”, who will miss him dearly. Jim was solid in his faith and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. A favorite verse is Colossians 3:12-14 and he lived the words. In Jim’s honor, you may consider donating to Alaqua Animal Refuge, Freeport, Florida or a charity of your choice. Family will have a small gathering for his military honors. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date and in keeping with Jim, it will be non-traditional.