James E. Fraser

Jim Fraser was born on April 28, 1936 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Jim and Lydia Fraser. He grew up alongside his younger sister, Judie. The two remained close throughout their adult lives. After graduating from Alexander Ramsey High School in 1955, Jim joined the Marine Corps. He spent the next four years proudly serving his country at bases in both the United States and Okinawa, Japan. After his discharge, he went on to attend college classes at the University of Minnesota. Jim and Mary Jo were married on March 31, 1979. Always one to do things with style, Jim flew Mary Jo to Las Vegas in his Cessna and, staying true to his Scottish roots, arranged for their wedding to take place at a chapel called Wee Kirk of the Heather. Jim loved being with his family. He constantly expressed pride in his two sons, Jim and Bill. After his marriage to Mary Jo, her daughters, Teri, Shelley, and Toni, quickly became an important part of his life as well. He spent quality time with his twelve grandchildren - teaching them about boating, golf, napping, and how to pick the perfect popsicle. As the owner of Bloomington Rental Center for thirty-eight years, Jim liked the challenge of running his own company. He valued working hard and being an active part of the local business community. The highlight of his work week was often meeting fellow business owners at Fongs restaurant for lunch. No matter what day of the week it was, Jim could be found taking part in one of his favorite activities. Golfing at the Minnesota Valley Country Club (where he was a member for over twenty-five years), playing tennis, or engaged in fierce competition on the racquetball court. Mary Jo even designated a special shelf in the house to display all of his awards. Jim loved new challenges and adventures. He hunted in Manitoba, fished in Alaska, boated on Lake Michigan, and skied in Colorado. Jims zest for life was evident in everything he did. One Saturday, after a long day of work, Jim decided that he wanted to learn how to fly an airplane. On a whim, he drove to the Flying Cloud airport and approached the lesson coordinator. He told him that he wanted to learn how to fly that very same day. The instructor told Jim that he would actually need to schedule an appointment before being trained. Not to be deterred, Jim talked the man into giving him a lesson on the spot. It wasnt long before he had his pilots license and owned his own plane. In the mid-1980s, Jim established a connection with his cousin Billy and his wife, Ann, in Scotland. Over the course of the next decade, Jim and Mary Jo traveled to Scotland four times. Jim loved introducing Mary Jo to Scottish life - he even convinced her to try haggis! Jim enjoyed delving deep into his Scottish heritage and took great pride in the Fraser name. In June of 2002, Jim experienced a stroke while at home relaxing before a golf tee-time. Mary Jo became his caretaker and spent her days working to keep him comfortable. Despite his ongoing pain and frustration, Jim never lost his sense of self or his willingness to try. He retained his deep passion for music, his keen sense of humor, and his love for Mary Jo and his family. He faced each day with patience and kindness. His smiles, hugs, and gentle spirit will be missed, but never forgotten. James is preceded in death by daughter, Teri Lash; his sister, Judi; and sister-in-law, Ginny Rock. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Mary Jo; children, Shelley (Mike) Rehling, Toni (Bill) Graham, James Fraser, and Bill Fraser; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Barb Zutz and Patti (Chris) Hoff; many nieces and nephews. Visitation Sunday, July 28th from 3-6 PM at Roberts Family Funeral Home and a Celebration of James Life will be held on Monday, July 29th, at 10:30 AM with visitation starting from 9 AM at Forest Hills United Methodist Church, 1790 - 11th Street SE, Forest Lake.