Jack "Swede" Frauson

Jack “Swede” Frauson of Garner, North Carolina passed away on December 18, 2022.

Jack was born February 10, 1936 in Tallman, New York and grew up in Mahwah, New Jersey where he was a standout basketball player and his athletic talents landed him a scholarship to Wake Forest College, in Old Wake Forest. He transferred to Western Carolina University where he played outstanding basketball and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Following graduation from Western Carolina in 1960, he moved to Bryson City to coach sports. There he met and married his wife Joy of 59 years.

During his ensuing career, Jack became a consummate professional in the public parks and recreation movement in North Carolina. Jack helped establish over 25 parks and recreation departments in NC and nurtured and provided consulting services for most of the departments

across the entire state. He assisted in the establishment of the first full time department in Western NC. Jack was active in pursuing excellence in the parks and recreation profession in North Carolina, across the US and in the Virgin Islands and Germany. He was respected nationally as a leader in the parks and recreation profession.

He received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from Governors Martin and Hunt. Some of his awards and honors include: North Carolina Recreation and Park Society Fellow Award, US Department of the Interior Highest Outdoor Recreation Award, Professional Excellence Award from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the North Carolina State University Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Jack served for many years on the Board of Trustees for the NRPA.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Minnie Frauson and brothers Bob and Bill. He is survived by his wife Joy; Sister-in-law Ann Frauson, and nieces Debbie and Karen of Montana; Sisters-in-laws Fay Hodges (Ron) and Kay Jones (Jim); Brother-in-law Ronald Hensley and wife Frances.

Jack was a member of the Moravian Church. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring.

Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to the charity of choice or to the North Carolina Recreation and Parks Association’s Foundation Scholarship Fund, 883 Washington Street, Raleigh, NC 27605.