James Tracy

James M. ("Jim")Tracy, 84, passed away in the early morning hours of April 9, 2014 at Ecumen Pathstone Living, Mankato, Minnesota. He was born October 4, 1929 in Worthington, Minnesota to James R. Tracy and Lula Boyer Tracy. He married Colleen Joyce Howes on August 16, 1952 with the couple making their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 1962, he and his family moved to Worthington, Minnesota where they lived until 1972 when they moved to Mankato and later to Kasota. Colleen passed away in 1993.

Jim and Colleen had five children, all of whom survive: Teresa (Charles Abbas) of Champaign, Illinois, Alice of Laurel, Maryland, Peter of Janesville, Valerie of Minneapolis and Weston of North Mankato. Jim is also survived by a brother, Thomas E. Tracy of Worthington, grandchildren Majdi Abbas (Jessica Lane) and Andrea Abbas, Sarah Domeier, Jake and Seth Tracy and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife and one brother, Michael Tracy.

In his early career Jim worked as a draftsman and a photographer. In the early 1960's he pioneered an early version of a camera used to detect a thief in Minneapolis. Later he was working at Campbell Soup Company in Worthington when he lost his eyesight in the early 1970's due to complications from a childhood accident. He decided to return to college, attaining his Bachelor's degree in journalism from what is now Minnesota State University in 1973. He and his wife shared a lifelong interest in reading, literature and writing. After Jim graduated, they opened a bookstore in St. Peter, "The Last Word" where they held many poetry readings and writers' workshops. Other interests included woodworking, cardplaying, Scrabble, chess and knife collecting. Jim was an active member of National Federation of the Blind and Save the Kasota Prairie.

Anyone who knew him could not fail to admire his unfailing optimism and cheerfulness. He leaves behind him many happy memories. Visitation with the family will take place on Friday, May 30, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at Minnesota Square Park, St. Peter, Minnesota. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 31, 2014, 1:00 p.m. at the home of Rod and Audra Sowles, 22046 Zeh Avenue (Co. Road 1), Brewster, Minnesota, with the Reverend Doug Roth officiating. Donations may be made to National Federation of the Blind. The family wishes to thank Ecumen Pathstone Living for the care given to Jim during his time there when he was affectionately known as "Just Jimmy".