Born May 26, 1944 in Auburn, New York, the son of Stanley E. and Frances (Higgs) Tracy, Jim was raised in Auburn and graduated from Auburn High School, Class of 1962. He later enrolled and graduated from Central Michigan University in Mt Pleasant.

For many years, Jim was employed as a claims examiner with the Michigan Employment Security Commission and had been a Marquette resident since the mid 1980’s when he relocated here.

His hobbies and interests included golf, trains, genealogy, and coffee clutching at the Big Boy and Hardees with his friends. A Vietnam Era veteran, serving in the US Army, Jim had been a resident of the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans since 2011.

He was the familiar, friendly veteran, sitting in his wheelchair on the sidewalk, waving to all who passed by. No passerby escaped his welcoming wave and he will be missed for the good cheer he inspired.

Jim was a member and Past Master of Marquette Masonic Lodge 101, Scottish Rite Masons, Ahmed Shriners, and Presque Isle Chapter 403 Order of Eastern Star, a member of the Marquette Exchange Club, and chairman of the Jacobetti Resident’s Council.

Survivors include his special friend and former spouse, Susan Mileski Koehs of Marquette; the Mileski family; close friends, Paul and Joan Haara, of Michigamme, and the friends and staff of the Jacobetti Home for Veterans.

Friends may call at the chapel of the Jacobetti Home for Veterans on Monday, November 16, beginning at 4:30 pm. Masonic services will be conducted at 5:30 pm followed by the memorial service at 6:00 pm. Veteran’s honors will be provided by members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380.

Memorials may be directed to the Jacobetti Home for Veterans Activity Fund, 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, MI 49855.

The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at www.swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com.