James W. Fraser, Jr (Gray Hawk), 96, of Lexington, MA, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family on September 6, 2025. Born in Charleston, SC on May 15, 1929, he was the son of the late James W. Fraser Sr. and Gertrude Heins. Jim was the eldest brother to the late Donald Fraser (Simone), the late Clark Fraser (Stella), and sister Trudy Pelligrini (Ernesto,) of Indian Land, South Carolina.

Family meant everything to Jim. He was the devoted husband of Mary "Smoki" Rollins Fraser. Together, they shared 67 years of marriage and raised their family in Lexington, MA. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his three daughters, Shawna Johnston (Brian) of Lexington, MA, Ina (former spouse, Rick) Williams of Boylston, MA and Rena Maliszewski (Jan) of Lexington, MA.  Some of his greatest joy came from his grandchildren Ariana (Andrew), Bradley, Megan (Greg), Austin, Olivia and James and four great-grandchildren Izzy, Damien, Tyler and Grace. He embraced Ken, Elisa, Nick (Jackie) and Allie Johnston as cherished family members. The love he had for his nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws is everlasting.

Jim spent his early years in Charleston, SC before moving with his parents and siblings to Hampton, Virginia for a portion of high school and his first 3 years of college. Prior to his senior year in college, Jim became more interested in travel than remaining on campus and decided to explore new places before completing his degree. He lived in Philadelphia, New York and Cleveland, then joined the Merchant Marines, embarking on adventures to many countries.

He loved sailing the open seas and discovering new places around the world but began to wonder if it was time to return home after receiving a letter from his loving mother asking, "Are you doing what you want to do for the rest of your life?"

Upon pondering her question, he enrolled in Virginia Union University where he earned his BA degree in Sociology and met his soon-to-be wife, Smoki.

Jim spent his career in service to improve the lives of "the people" by developing educational support programs and opportunities, job training and community support for underserved populations. He worked with the Urban League in Warren, Ohio and Washington, DC as Vocational Guidance Director, and as a Community Organizer for a pilot project of the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation of Health and Human Services.

Jim was born of Cherokee, Edisto and European descent. He devoted much of his life to establishing and supporting Native American communities, youth programs and resources. In 2016, he was the recipient of the Tomaquag Museum Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifetime of work advocating for resources for Tribal Communities across many federal programs including the US Department of Labor and the Federal Regional Task Force for Indian Affairs and establishing the National Day of Mourning.

In 1970, Jim and his brother of the heart, Everett Tall Oak Weeden, founded the first National Day of Mourning, along with Frank James, Shirley Mills, Gary (Corn Planter) Parker and Rayleen Bay on Thanksgiving, November 26, 1970. The National Day of Mourning is an annual event that continues to this day to raise awareness and provide accurate truths about Native American history, the plight of Native people and to honor Native people and acknowledge we are still here. Jim served as a consultant for the exhibit dedicated to the "National Day of Mourning," at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian exhibit in Washington, DC in 2020.

Jim had a 24-year federal career which included time with the Departments of Navy and Labor.  He was a key member of a group that worked with Massachusetts Gov. Francis Sargent to establish the Massachusetts Commission For Indian Affairs.  He represented the eight US Department of Labor agencies on the Federal Regional Task Force For Indian Affairs. As Director of the Office of Special Programs for Education and Training Administration (ETA) and the Department of Labor, Jim negotiated grants and contracts with New England tribes and organizations for the training of Native youth and adults. Negotiations with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts resulted in the Boston Indian Council (BIC) receiving a 99-year lease for the sole use of a building in Boston for one dollar per year. The BIC occupied the building for ten years and is presently used by the North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICOB) under the same agreement. For decades, Jim's efforts to secure this building have helped to provide a meeting space, programs, services and a cultural gathering place for Native people living in New England.

Additionally, Jim negotiated an agreement to make it possible for Native youth residing east of the Mississippi River to attend Kicking Horse and Talking Leaves Job Corps Centers. These centers were initially established by the US Department of Labor to train Native youth who lived west of the Mississippi River. Jim's efforts helped open these centers to all Native youth.

Jim received recognition in 1977 for outstanding achievement managing the federal Work Incentive Program (WIN). The New England Federal Region ranked first place in the nation. As Regional Director of Job Corps, he established centers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont. He also provided training to the staff of the Rhode Island Indian Council.

Outside of work, Jim was an avid motorcycle rider who enjoyed touring the open road on two wheels for over 60 years. He rode as far as California for his 60th birthday on his BMW R100RS. His most recent long distance ride was to Colorado on his BMW R1100RS motorcycle at age 85! Over the years, Jim rode to many rallies on his vintage British Velocettes, highly sought after collectors items that he had meticulously restored. Through his riding, Jim developed many deep and meaningful friendships with fellow Velocette and BMW enthusiasts.  These friendships and his mechanical knowledge earned him the nickname, Mr. Velo, in vintage British racing bike circles. His head-turning Velocettes earned him awards and accolades in publications and at motorcycle meets. What mattered most to him were the friendships he formed and conversations he shared with fellow rally attendees and riders.

Though he took his work and hobbies seriously, he loved a good practical joke. He was known to find delight in playing harmless tricks on friends and family as often as he could. He was a quick wit, improvisational impressionist and good-hearted mischief maker. Jim often laughed so hard that he cried when a joke was revealed. He could ride a bicycle backwards and "shoot the duck" on roller skates— a joyful skill he learned as a teenager while working as a sandwich server at a drive-in restaurant. Jim had a mastery of the yo-yo and enjoyed jazz music. He always had a good supply of candy on hand and earned the nickname Candyman. His love and laughter were second to none and he will be missed from sun to sun.

VISITATION & SERVICE on Saturday, September 20, 2025:

Visiting hours from 12:30pm -1:45pm. Memorial service at 2pm

St. John's Korean UMC (former location of the Lexington United Methodist Church)

2600 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington MA 02421. Parking in rear.

Visiting hours will be held in the lower level atrium of St. John's Korean United Methodist Church followed by a memorial service in the sanctuary upstairs.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim's memory to the Tomaquag Museum at https://www.tomaquagmuseum.org/donate or Hancock Congregational Church where the family is currently members at https://hancockchurch.org/giving/