Jim Fraser Obituary

Jim Fraser
Anderson - On May 16, 2021, surrounded by his adoring family, Coach James C. (Jim) Fraser crossed into the end zone for the final time.
Born May 11, 1932, in Florence, S.C., the husband of the late Joyce Fraser, or as he lovingly referred to as his L.W. (Lovely Wife), leaves behind his daughter Amy Speaks (Robbie) of Camden, son Chuck Fraser of Anderson, granddaughters Fraser and Maggie Speaks, and grandsons Tripp Speaks and Chase and Dillon Fraser. Along with his family, he leaves behind hundreds of former players, coaches, and mentees who he had maintained close relationships with throughout his life.
Jim attended the University of South Carolina where he played football, baseball, and basketball, and conferred degrees from Newberry College where he played baseball and football, Western Carolina and Clemson University. Between his tenures at the University of South Carolina and Newberry College, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps (1953-1955). He was a teacher and coached football, basketball, and baseball at both Bennettsville High (1958-1960) and Aiken High (1960-1968) where he also served as Athletic Director. Jim arrived at T.L. Hanna High School in 1968 where he remained as football coach and Athletic Director until 1985. Along with his duties as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director, he also taught U.S. History, South Carolina History, World History, Civics, and Geography. He sometimes said he had as much fun teaching as he did winning a game, which he did frequently, leading his football teams to 172 victories during his time as a coach.
Under his guidance, more than 100 of his players went on to be collegiate athletes. He also brought back a victory from the 1982 North South Game and the 1976 Shrine Bowl. Later, in 2010, the North-South Game was dedicated to him. In 1978 he acted as President of the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association. No stranger to Hall of Fames, Coach Fraser resides in the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame, the Florence Athletic Hall of Fame, and the T.L. Hanna Athletic Hall of Fame. As recently as March 2020, he was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association Hall of Fame. The football field at T.L. Hanna was named the Jim Fraser Field in his honor in 2009.
One of the biggest joys in his life was being able to serve the Lord through the church. He was a deacon and elder at Clio Baptist, First Baptist of Aiken and Anderson, and at his present church, First Presbyterian of Anderson. He loved teaching Sunday School and taught a variety of classes ranging from 9th grade boys to a ladies' Bible class.
A former Marine, Rotarian, Adjunct Professor, Insurance Guy, and once, very briefly, ran a Dry Cleaners, he also authored books and wrote a newspaper column for the Electric City News. One of his favorite things was giving Player of the Week Awards, and a J.V. and Varsity Joke at the Anderson Touch Down Club. However, one of his favorite past times was playing the harmonica in his beloved musical group, Four in the Floor.
Jim, Coley, or Co Co as his grandchildren referred to him, will be extremely missed by all those who had the wonderful opportunity of knowing him. Well played Coach, well played.
The family will receive friends Thursday, May 20, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Friday, May 21, 2021 at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Dennis Tedder officiating. A private committal service will follow. A Celebration of Life will also be held at 6:00 pm at Fraser Field at T.L. Hanna High School.
Contributions can be made out to the Jim Fraser Athletic Scholarship Fund through T.L. Hanna High School.
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