Obituary of James Tracy

James Francis Tracy ?Jim? ?Dad? ?Papa? Mr. Tracy, 70, died peacefully April 5, 2011, at Sardis Oaks. He was born March 18, 1941, in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in Dayton. His parents were Lewis Lindsey Tracy and Iris Mary Boright. He was graduated from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, in 1967. After college he entered the US Air Force and spent the next six years in Thailand and then Wiesbaden, Germany. In 1974 he joined the US Air Force Reserves and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1990. While in the Air Force, Jim received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Jim? s career after moving to Charlotte in 1971, was as Chief Financial Officer for two different companies and he retired in 2006. Jim?s greatest loves were his children, grandchildren, family, friends, and life on his boat on Lake Norman. For those who crossed his path, and this path included almost everyone he ever knew, Jim was known for his integrity, warmth, wit, and personality. He was married to Mary Van Wagner of Charlotte for 40 years. In addition to Mary, Jim is survived by his children, Patrick L. Tracy and wife, Gena, of Huntersville; Katherine Sexton and husband Michael of Concord; grandchildren Braxton, Blake, and Aubrey Tracy; and Savannah and Ashley Sexton; and two step-grandchildren, Nathaniel and Nicholas Sexton; his twin brother and sister-in-law, John and Mary Lou Tracy of Springfield VA; his brother-in-law, Charles Van Wagner of Raleigh; niece, Lisa (and David) Smith; nephew Steven (and Mary Ann) Tracy; and nephews, Charles Van Wagner (and Olivia) and James Van Wagner; and his beloved French ?son? Cyril Ravassard. The family of Mr. Tracy would like to thank his wonderful caregiver, Kira Greene, and long-time friend and speech therapist, Liz Reiss. Memorial service will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 8, 2011 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211 with Father Patrick Cahill, officiating. The family will greet friends in the narthex following the service. In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256 or online www.woundedwarriorproject.org.