James Ransom Fraker

James Ransom Fraker (Jim), aged 85, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025. Born June 29, 1940, in Saginaw, Michigan, he was the eldest son of John Ransom Fraker and Marian Ruth (Miller) Fraker and brother to Tom and Mark. The Fraker family settled in Vassar, Michigan, where Jim spent his childhood. He graduated from Vassar High School in 1959 and subsequently served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1964, with assignments at Fort Bragg and Okinawa, Japan, as a member of the Green Beret.

Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Ferris State in Big Rapids, Michigan. In 1964, he married Shari Buschman; together, they relocated to Colorado, embracing ranch life and becoming avid elk and deer hunters. After seven years as a land surveyor, Jim co-founded J.R. Engineering in 1973, developing it into a thriving land development consulting enterprise providing civil engineering and land surveying services, completing many large-scale projects throughout Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, and New Mexico while employing several hundred individuals before retiring in 2001. During retirement, he dedicated time to woodworking, supporting high school track and field, following the Denver Broncos and University of Michigan football, and mentoring many people, including his brothers while serving as a caregiver for Shari during her battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, until her passing in 2013.

In 1984, Jim had committed his life to be a devoted follower of Christ, growing deeper and stronger in his faith over the years, while becoming a passionate prayer advocate for friends and family. In 2014, Jim met Doris Bruns at a Village Seven Presbyterian Church social gathering whose husband had passed away in 2005. Following a year-long courtship, they were married on February 14, 2015, in an intimate ceremony officiated by Dr. Dominic Aquila at a small Episcopal church near the Broadmoor. Over the past decade, Jim and Doris had a storybook marriage, opening their home and their resources countless times to help others in need and simply loving and caring for others by gathering together for dinner and fellowship.

Renowned for his commitment to helping and praying for others, Jim used the diverse skill set and meticulous attention to detail that God had uniquely given him, particularly in work requiring physical effort. He was steadfast in his faith, serving as an usher at First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs and actively participating in Pathfinders Sunday School. His mornings were dedicated to personal study, beginning each day with his Bible, a highlighter, pen, and coffee, followed by devotions and prayer with Doris. During his final hospital stay, every medical professional who walked in his room received a heartfelt expression of his appreciation for what they did, followed by a prayer requesting the Lord to bless them.

Jim is survived by his wife Doris, son Todd (& Sally) Fraker, daughter Donna (& Gary) Boggs, brothers Mark (& Denise) and Tom (& Rebecca), grandchildren Harlee Fraker, Rio Dunn, and great-granddaughter Harper Rae Dunn.

A memorial service for Jim will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs (219 E Bijou St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903), on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:30a MT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations to honor his memory could be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs.