Engineering retiree dies after brief illness

(Aug. 27, 2007)--James W. Frazier, an instructor in the UTSA College of Engineering for approximately 15 years and a longtime resident of San Antonio, died Aug. 3 after a brief illness. He was born in Chicago, Ill., Feb. 20, 1928, the eldest son of the late Ralph Oliver Frazier and Myra Mabel Lackland Frazer.

"Jim taught many required courses for the engineering programs and was a dedicated teacher who worked hard to help his students," said Amir Karimi, UTSA professor of mechanical engineering and associate dean of the College of Engineering. "You could find him working with students in the laboratory late at night and on weekends. Jim always volunteered to help during outreach events organized by the college. He also mentored many high school students, helping them with their science and engineering projects."

Following undergraduate studies at Syracuse University, Frazer earned a doctorate in basic medical sciences at New York Upstate Medical Center School of Medicine. He served at the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks Air Force Base, and subsequently at the UTSA College of Engineering until retiring in 2006.

Frazer served in the United States Navy, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander in the Medical Service Corps. He was an expert in the interaction of electromagnetic energy and biophysical systems, and consulted with numerous public groups and government agencies.

A memorial service was conducted Aug. 6 with a burial at sea planned. Frazier's family requests donations in his name be made to the UTSA College of Engineering General Scholarship Fund. If at least $1,500 is raised, a scholarship may be awarded in his name.