Fairbanks, Alaska, grieve with the unexpected loss of Jerold Terry “JT” Frye, a 23-year-old local who passed away on November 27, 2025. Born April 18, 2002, in the heart of the Interior, JT embodied the resilient spirit of the north, leaving an indelible mark on his family and the community that raised him.
Raised amid the midnight sun and northern lights, JT attended local schools where he excelled in vocational programs focused on outdoor trades. He pursued hands-on training in welding and mechanics at a Fairbanks technical institute, channeling his innate curiosity into building custom snow machines and fishing gear for family outings.
Professionally, JT worked as an apprentice technician at a regional auto shop, specializing in heavy-duty repairs for trucks navigating Alaska’s rugged terrain. His colleagues valued his quick problem-solving and reliable work ethic, which often extended to volunteering for community maintenance projects during harsh winters.
Family formed the core of JT’s world; he was a devoted son to his parents and a protective brother to his siblings, often organizing summer camping trips along the Chena River. As great-grandson to late grandfather Jerold Crane, he honored traditions through storytelling sessions that blended Athabascan heritage with modern adventures.
In his free time, JT thrived on the Alaskan wilderness, honing skills in ice fishing and trail biking while fostering bonds through casual hockey games at local rinks. His hobbies reflected a balanced lifestyle, blending adrenaline-fueled explorations with quiet evenings crafting handmade knives for friends.
A visitation to celebrate JT’s vibrant legacy unfolds on December 10, 2025, at Peachtree Point Pavilion, inviting all to share stories under the aurora, ensuring his warmth endures in Fairbanks’ enduring frost.