Not All Heroes Wear Capes

A story By Mark Garland of College Baseball Central

You might have read a comic book and wondered what it would be like to grow up with a super hero in your town or even possibly befriend one of these special people.

Well, I have been fortunate enough to live that dream. My best friend, Jake Frazier, is a hero to many in the community of Dallas, Oregon. And while he doesn’t wear spandex and fight crime… ok well he did stop a bank robbery in progress that one time and held the assailant until police arrived, but he doesn’t wear a costume, just a Domino’s shirt.

Many know Jake as the Domino’s pizza guy, and so many in our town have enjoyed a pizza or two from his stores. What many folks don’t always see is his relentless passion to make our home town better.

Through his work with Dallas Christmas Cheer, a seemingly unlimited supply of pizzas has been donated to local schools, sports, churches, and other events. Jake supports his community by giving back and supporting teachers, front line workers, local businesses, and of course, Dallas High School. He gives his time, effort, money, and pizza.

Jake also shows continuous support of DHS students involved with athletics and other activities throughout campus. He doesn’t ask for anything in return or shout outs on social media, he does these things because it is the right thing to do. He was taught this sense of community compassion by his wonderful parents, Butch and Bonnie. His brother and sister Andy and Mollie and their families also share a passion in making this town great, supporting Jake in all his community work. Jake’s wife Rachel too shares his sense of community embitterment and donates equally with him, setting a great example for their two children Mila and Mari.

Today, Jake is being honored with a community service award by the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association. This award is given to people who exemplify the giving nature and support of their communities athletic programs with-in the State of Oregon.

Jake does this and so much more for the community. He cares for this town, its residents, and visitors alike. He is one of a kind, and I for one am tremendously proud to call him my friend of 30 years. While he jokes all the time that donating pizza is a superpower, I’m not always sure he sees the influence he’s had on the people in this community.

You must admire and appreciate a leader through and through who continues to show what an amazing community Dallas is and can continue to be. Jake embodies a small town's greatness and continues to teach compassion, giving, and leading through action.

His nieces, nephews, children, and employees all learn what it means to give back and give this community, and it helps create a set of future leaders. It is true that not all heroes wear capes, but if Jake wanted to throw one on and take few laps, I for one think it would be more than deserving.

Thank you, Jake, for continuing to take care of our home town! Congrats my friend on this well deserved award. I love you and am proud of the man you are and the example you set for the rest of us.

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