After James Frazier’s last day in office, Horry County Council honors longtime councilman

Horry County Council’s Tuesday meeting began like every single one had for the last five months.

When council members took their seats, the chair behind James Frazier’s District 7 nameplate was empty.

Yet the meeting mainly served as a tribute to the county’s longest-serving councilman, whose health recently forced him to step down. Frazier’s last official day representing Bucksport and Conway was Monday.

For nearly half an hour, council members shared their memories with the 77-year-old’s family and friends. They spoke of a dedicated advocate for rural residents who served on council for 35 years, a peacemaker who navigated tumultuous government disputes with grace, a sharp dresser who always donned crisp shirts and suits at meetings, and a soft-spoken gentleman who often handed out small candies to county staff.

“He didn’t talk real loud,” Council Chairman Mark Lazarus said. “He didn’t talk out a whole lot. But I can promise you every time he pushed that button and Mr. Frazier spoke, you could hear a pin drop.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, Lazarus hung a portrait of Frazier by the door to the council chambers. Those who know him best say the gesture was a fitting tribute.

“Mr. Frazier will never be forgotten,” said Genetha Jones, who took a job as a secretary with the county in August 1978 after Frazier encouraged her to apply. She still works for the county as a victim’s advocate.

“Employees loved him,” she said. “Still do.”

In recent years, Jones said she noticed Frazier wasn’t as mentally sharp as he once was. Still, when he told her he was going to resign, Jones said had trouble accepting it. He’d never wanted to leave.

“I could see it coming even before he ran the last time,” Jones said, referring to Frazier’s 2014 campaign. “But he still wanted to run. He still wanted to run and serve the people.”

Frazier and his wife, Jackie, have been staying at an assisted living facility in Carolina Forest.

Although Frazier couldn’t attend Tuesday’s meeting, county officials are planning a special dinner for him in June where he will be the guest of honor.

The meal will be served in the Bucksport community center, the same one that bears his name.

“The good thing,” Lazarus said, “is that James is still with us.”

This story was originally published March 1, 2016 at 9:13 PM with the headline "After James Frazier’s last day in office, Horry County Council honors longtime councilman."