Leo "Jim" Raymond Mccracken

Our loving husband and father went to heaven, October 28, 2012. Leo Raymond McCracken was born October 17, 1924 in Troy, Montana to Lorenzo Barry McCracken and Anna Serena Hansen. His father called him “Sunny Jim” and there the nick name “Jim”. Jim grew up in Troy, Montana and graduated from Troy Public School in 1943. He was a star athlete in football, basketball, track and baseball. His life passion and hobby was fishing. He always had quite a fish tale to share.

Jim met Evelyn Pearl Johnson in September 1945 in Troy, Montana and they married May 25, 1946 in Spokane, Washington. They were blessed with four children; Danny Guy, Gary Lee, Janene Kay and Patricia Ann.

Jim first worked for the Great Northern Railroad in Montana and eventually moved to Walla Walla in 1946 to be near his mother and brother Jack. Jim was Superintendent for Jones Scott Redi-Mix Sand and Gravel in Walla Walla and a short time in Umatilla until his medical retirement after 30 years. In 1955, he and his family moved to Lambert Road in Walla Walla and never left.

Jim was a loving and supporting husband for Evelyn and her teaching career with Davis Elementary in College Place, putting love and laughter in their marriage. They read from the bible every evening, completing it numerous times. As a father, he loved unconditionally and was always there for them.

Jim was a member of the Pioneer Methodist Church, Master Mason, Scottish Rite, York Rite, El Katif Shriners and Boy Scouts. He was secretary of the Green Tank Irrigation District No. 1 for 20 years. He had a sense of humor and cared about others.

Leo is survived by his wife, Evelyn; four children and their families; son-Danny and Liz McCracken of Walla Walla, son-Gary and Cheryl McCracken of Walla Walla; grandchildren-Brooks and Andrea, Danielle, Austin, Katie and Monty Puzey, Mylin McCracken, daughter-Janene and Mike Michels of Walla Walla; grandchildren-Heather, Keith and Brenda, Christopher Michels; great granddaughter Natalie Michels, daughter-Patty McCracken and Glenn Bier of Spokane. Leo is preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings. He is the last to join his family in heaven. He will be loved and missed until we see him again.

The family extends their gratitude to Seniors Helping Seniors and Hospice for the exceptional care Jim received.
Viewing & visitation will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2012 from 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The Memorial Funeral Service will be on Friday, November 2, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Pioneer United Methodist Church with Rev. Tom Telfer officiating. There will be a private family interment at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Walla Walla Community Hospice or Pioneer United Methodist Church through the funeral home.