Jack M. Frisbie

Major General Jack M. Frisbie, 80, of Waukegan, IL, died on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Gurnee, IL after battling a long illness. General Frisbie was born July 26, 1925 in Sioux City, IA and married Shirley M. Haas in 1948 in Sioux City, IA. General Frisbie received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Morningside College in 1950 and completed the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Finance Graduate Program in 1965. General Frisbie enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942. He participated in numerous heavy combat operations in the South and Central Pacific Theaters during the 30 months he served overseas. Commissioned a Second Lieutenant in November, 1949 via the Meritorious Commissioned Officer's Program. General Frisbie was again called to active duty in August, 1950 and served 18 months in combat operations in Korea with the First Marine Division. He was promoted to First Lieutenant in November, 1951 and released from active duty in November, 1952. He joined the Organized Marine Corps Reserve and is one of the very few Marine Generals to ever command both ground and aviation units. He was promoted to Captain in July, 1953. In 1957, as commanding officer of the 43 Infantry Company, General Frisbie's unit was awarded the General William Clement Award as the most outstanding Infantry Company in the Marine Corps. In 1965, as Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, his unit was cited as the Nation's Largest and Best Trained Infantry Battalion. He was promoted to Major in March, 1960, and to Lieutenant Colonel in September, 1965. General Frisbie served as Commanding Officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron 48, Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Glenview, IL from 1967 to 1969. The Marine Corps named his unit the Outstanding Combat Support Squadron of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing in 1969. He was promoted to Colonel in July, 1970. During Maulex 1-73, he served as Commanding Officer of the 52nd Marine Amphibious Unit. In April, 1975 he was reassigned as Assistant Division Commander, 4th Marine Division. He was advanced to Brigadier General on June 3, 1975. In April, 1976 he became Commanding General, 4th Force Service Support Group, 4th Marine Division and set a precedent of becoming the first Reserve General in the Marine Corps to ever take command of a major Marine Corps unit in peace time. In March, 1978 President Jimmy Carter nominated General Frisbie for promotion to Major General. He was advanced on April 1, 1978 and reassigned as Special Assistant to the President for Reserve Affairs. On April 15, 1981 General Frisbie was reassigned as Deputy Chief of Staff for Reserve Affairs (Mobilization Designee). He served in this capacity until his retirement on Sept. 1, 1984. General Frisbie was elected National President of the Marine Corps Reserve Officer's Association in May, 1973. In June, 1979 he was elected Chairman of the Board. He is a past Vice President of the Navy League and he served a three year tour as a member of the Marine Corps Reserve Policy Board. In October, 1978 the Secretary of the Navy appointed him President of the Policy Board. On May 12, 1980 the Secretary of Defense appointed General Frisbie to a three year term as a member of the Armed Forces Policy Board. The Secretary of Navy on March 1, 1983 appointed General Frisbie President of the Marine Corps Policy Board for the second time. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce presented General Frisbie their Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of his community work and leadership in Civic Affairs. He served on several Boards of Directors as an advisor/consultant. An Investment Banker in civilian life, General Frisbie was the Vice President in charge of Midwest Operations for Chicago based John Nuveen & Company, Inc. Survivors include four children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. General Frisbie was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, who was a marvelous asset to his life and career. Visitation will be held at Congdon & Company, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL, 60099, 847-746-1234 , on Saturday, May 20, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. This will be followed by burial with full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Mrs. Frisbie's ashes will be placed with her husband at Arlington. In lieu of flowers, please consider the American Cancer Society or Alzheimer's Research Project. Thank You.