James A. Fraser

James A. Fraser, age 91, formerly of Bellevue, passed on August 20, 2010. He was born and raised in Yakima and graduated from Cowiche High School, where he met his wife of 52 years, Audrey E. White. They married on February 14, 1942. His passion for flying was launched in 1937 when he rode in a 1929 open cockpit Waco biplane. Ambitious and motivated, Jim painted signs at the Olympia airport in exchange for flying lessons. Jim graduated from the University of Washington in 1942. Shortly before the advent of Pearl Harbor, Boeing expanded their Flight Test Operations and hired him to take test flight data on the B-17, the “Flying Fortress.” Jim continued on as an experimental test pilot, being assigned to high-altitude work with the B-17, B-47 and B-29 projects and the post-war Boeing Stratocruiser. He later served as Director of Industrial Relations. Jim continued to fly his own planes throughout most of his life. His post-Boeing days incorporated successful entrepreneurial endeavors and development of commercial real estate in Bellevue. He was an avid golfer. Jim married Susan Brown in 1995. They moved to Sedona AZ in 1999. Jim is survived by children Scott, Stuart (Janet) and Cindy; grandchildren Morgan, Chace, Kate, Cory, Colton and Savanna; his wife, Susan D. Fraser. He is preceded in death by his first wife Audrey and his son Steven.Funeral mass 11am, Friday, September 3 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 9460 NE 14th St, Bellevue. Burial Sunset Hills Memorial Park. Remembrances may be made to local Catholic charities. Please sign the online guestbook at www.flintofts.com Flintoft’s Funeral Home.