James Charles Frazier

James Charles (Charlie) Frazier was born September 21, 1947, in Ashdown, Arkansas to Bessie L. Whatley (Jones) and Robert Frazier. At an early age, he moved to Coolidge, Arizona where he attended elementary and high school while under the loving care of his grandparents, Reverend Arthur Jones and Janie Jones. It was there in the Jones home that he formed close life-long bonds with his aunts (Earline and Ella Mae) and his uncles (Arthur, Isaac, Isaiah, John, and Paul).

While attending Coolidge High School, Charles earned distinction as a top athlete and lettered several years in football. After graduating, he enlisted with the United States Air Force and trained as a Dental Lab Technician. He found success with the military and received numerous honors during his tours of duty. His honors included the Vietnam Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the National Defense Service Star, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Charles enjoyed his years in the Air Force and the opportunity to not only serve his country but to also travel and live abroad. He spoke fondly of his experiences in Thailand, Alaska, and the Azores, Portugal. His last assignment was with the 836th Medical Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona where he decided to retire from the military and establish their home. After 23 years of active duty, Charles used his skill as a Dental Lab Technician and worked for several local dental offices in Tucson. Later he opened his own business - Anderson Dental - outsourcing his services to dentists in the local Tucson area.

In 1974 Charles married the love of his life, Ophelia Craig. Ophelia was the daughter of Samuel Craig Sr and Viola (Atmore) Craig. Charles had a crush on Ophelia during high school and finally worked up the nerve to ask her out on a date while on leave from the military. A courtship and marriage soon followed. They enjoyed each other, raised a daughter, and spoiled their two grandsons while living a full life together. They enjoyed traveling, exploring new places, and trying new restaurants until his deteriorating health and Ophelia’s death in 2019.

Charles had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He always had a funny story to share and many people were on the receiving end of his witty jokes and remarks. He was an avid cyclist and rode his bike to work wherever he was stationed (when feasible) and all around town on the weekends. He would also ride long distances of up to 70 or 80 miles in one day. Charles was a talented jewelry designer and transformed precious stones and metals into pendants, rings, bracelets, chains, and medallions. Charles also enjoyed photography and won numerous photography contests while stationed at Lajes Air Force Base in the Azores, Portugal. He was well known for his BBQ and his delicious secret BBQ sauce! He was more than happy to cook barbecue for family gatherings, for church events at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, and often he and Ophelia would BBQ batches of food to serve the homeless. What Charles would not do was to share the recipe for his secret sauce!

Charles transitioned on August 9, 2021. He is preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Ophelia Frazier; his parents, Bessie Whatley and Robert Frazier; his grandparents, Reverend Arthur and Janie Jones; his sister, Bonnie J. Gipson; his uncles Arthur Jones, Isaac Jones, Isaiah Jones, and Paul Jones; and his aunt Earline Cannon.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Pamela Frazier-Anderson (her husband Felton), his grandsons Jaden Anderson and Nicholas Anderson, his sisters Mary Ann Williams, Joann E. Sealy (her husband Alfredo), Dorothy Lee, and Laura J Williams; his aunt Ella Mae Smith, his uncle John Jones, his aunt Hattie Jones (wife of Isaac Jones ), his aunt Virginia Jones (wife of Paul Jones), and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, as well as 1 great-great nephew.