James William Fraley

James W. Fraley, 77, passed away peacefully in hospice care on April 29, 2016 with family by his side. Jim was born June 26, 1938 in White Plains, NY to Evelyn and James E. Fraley. He graduated from Sewanhaka High School on Long Island, NY as a distinguished athlete. He furthered his education and athletic career as a standout collegiate basketball player and graduated with a teaching degree from Emporia State Teachers College in Emporia, KS. Upon graduating college, he volunteered in the Peace Corp and was stationed in the Philippines for two years. He was a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools for over 30 years, spanning in districts across Germany, New York, Montana, and Kansas. Jim was most recently employed with Peoria Sports Complex for many years and loved to help others enjoy spring training baseball games. He enjoyed tennis, golf, fishing, and collecting a variety of historical artifacts including model railroad cars. He also found a passion for writing and became a published author of several books. In 1961 he was drafted by the Kansas City Steers of the Professional American Basketball Association but chose his career in education. In 1987 Jim was inducted into the Emporia State University Wall of Honor for his accomplishments in basketball. In 2012, ESU retired his basketball jersey in dedication to his commitment to Hornet Basketball. His #14 jersey hangs from the rafters of the William L. White Auditorium as a testament of his accomplishments as a student and athlete. Jim is survived by his wife Linda, of Peoria, AZ; children James R. (Katie) of Cheyenne, WY and Jill of Loveland, CO; brother William (Barbara); six grandchildren, Nicholas, Riley, Claire, Nora, Ella, and Umer Fraley. He was preceded in death by his twin sister Mary. Many who remember Jim will raise a bottle of Pepsi in his honor for his many years as a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather who loved sports, education of youth, friends, and his family. A gathering of family and friends will be Wednesday, May 11, at 1:00 pm, at Sunland Mortuary, 15826 Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ.