Roberts Wesleyan athletics hall of fame member, Jack Fraser passed away at Unity Hospital on January 9, 2022, at the age of 88. Fraser was a 1957 graduate of Roberts and had a long, rich history in Roberts Wesleyan athletics as a student-athlete, coach, and administrator.
Fraser was a member of the men’s basketball team from 1953 to 1957. He finished his career with 919 points, averaging 12.1 points per game over 76 total games. Fraser holds the record for free throw attempts in a season with 247.
Ten years after graduating from Roberts, Fraser returned to the athletics department to serve as Athletics Director and head coach for the men’s basketball team. Fraser coached basketball for seven seasons until 1974 when he transitioned to head coach for the men’s soccer team from 1974 to 1980. During his stretch with the soccer team, Fraser led the men to the NAIA National Championship game (1979). It was one of only three times that had been accomplished as a member of the NAIA. Fraser also earned NAIA Coach of the Year honors that season.
Fraser served as Athletics Director for 13 years (1967 to 1980). He was inducted into the Roberts Athletics Hall of Fame in 1982.
“The Roberts community mourns the loss of Coach Fraser,” said Bob Segave, current Roberts Director of Athletics. “A friend and coach to many, Jack was a larger than life person to me who became a good friend. He was always there with his trademark strong handshake and a word of encouragement. He was always interested in the state of athletics at the college. As he shared his stories of the successes and challenges that came with the Director of Athletics chair, he was able to inspire me with his strong voice. I will miss that voice, but when days are tough I will hear my friend Jack’s strong voice guiding me.”
Jack is survived by wife Priscilla, sons John (Laurie) and James (Teresa) and daughter Jennifer (David), stepsons Andrew (Kimberly) and David (Jodi); 11 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
He was born November 9, 1933, in Monticello, in the Catskill mountains. He was an avid sports fan his entire life and had a love for the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills.
A special achievement for Fraser came at the age of 86 when he recorded a hole-in-one at Churchville Golf Course on the fourth hole, witnessed by long-time family friend and Roberts grad David Heimberger.
In his later years, Jack enjoyed traveling with his wife Priscilla to beautiful parts of the country to visit children and grandchildren in Tennessee, Colorado, and Arizona.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory can be sent to the Roberts Wesleyan College Athletic Department. A celebration of life will be held on February 19 at Pearce Memorial Church on the Roberts campus, 4322 Buffalo Road, North Chili.
Visit time with the family will take place on February 19 from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. and the Memorial Service will follow at 1:30 p.m.
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