Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Born on 10th September, 1916 in Proserpine, to Simon & Jean (Reid) & brother to Agnes, Jim Fraser commenced life at the rural community of Cannon Valley & was one of the original students at Windemere State School. His 1st place of employment was at Briggs & Mazlins as spare parts boy, a job he retired from on Saturday night 27th February 1999 as dealer principal under the banner of JF & RM Fraser-Ford. His bravery & endurance as a member of the 2/26th Infantry Battalion in the Malayan Campaign & subsequently as a POW in Sandakan & Changi has been well recognized by those who fought beside him & Mr Fraser is responsible for a chapter written in The Battalion Story a book written about these camps. After almost 4 years of incarceration Mr Fraser returned to Proserpine where his mate Harry Biggs introduced him to his sister Rita. They were married on 15th January, 1947, the beginning of a 52 year partnership. They had 4 children David, Robert, Peter & Ann (Mrs Gardel) who will well recall the firm but loving upbringing that this man provided for them. Mr Fraser’s giving spirit extended to the community where he worked hard for Legacy, the RSL ex-serviceman’s club, the Masonic Lodge & P & C committees. His enjoyment came from going to Midge Point to fish & socialize with the huge extended family that frequented there. A dabble on the horses was one of his less profitable pastimes. Mr Fraser would have been honored by the presence of those at his funeral service as he was honored many times in his life. He was a life member of the RSL, the Proserpine Ex-Serviceman’s Club & Legacy & was made a Member of the British empire in 1980 for his work with Legacy. Earlier this year the Whitsunday shire honored his work in this community with an Australia Day award. These are all small honors compared to the honor he gave to all of us in knowing him. One of the traits that Jim Fraser was noted for was his humor & much of the time it was his actions that provided the humor as related by grandson Andrew in his magnificent eulogy to his grandfather at the cultural hall service. Mr Fraser is survived by his devoted wife Rita, who has cared for him through his later years of discomfort & pain, his sister Agnes, sons David, Robert & Peter & daughter Anne & their partners Joanne, Kay Jennie & Lachie. Missing him dearly are 10 grandchildren- Emily, Andrew, Ericka, Benjamin, Catherine, Kristy, Heath, Bridget, Bryce & Samuel. James Fitzgerald Fraser was finally put to rest at Proserpine Lawn Cemetery to the strains of the Last Post very bravely played by his grandson Bryce on his trumpet. He was part of the furniture in this town, a silent role model for so many, an old school gentleman & he leaves everybody with lives so much better for having known him.