James Willis Rackley passed away on October 15th, 2016 at his home in Paradise Valley. Jim was born on December 27th, 1941 in Honolulu, Hawaii to James and Frances Rackley as James senior was contracted to build underground fuel bunkers for the Army. Jim graduated from High School in Lovelock, Nevada after attending many schools including the Paradise Valley Elementary School and Winnemucca Grammar. He married Sherril, the love of his life, on January 14th, 1961 in Reno, NV.
Jim enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Hawaii, where Sherril joined him after High School. In 1962 Jim and Sherril moved back to Northern Nevada, living in Battle Mountain, Elko, Wells, Winnemucca and finally back to Paradise Valley. He was employed by the Nevada Department of Transportation as a surveyor constructing I-80 through Nevada. Following its completion, Jim worked in mining at Getchel and Rabbit Creek before retiring to Paradise Valley. Jim and Sherill enjoyed 42 years of marriage before cancer took her from him in 2003
Jim loved to hunt, fish, go camping and spend time with the “deck crew”; Dan, Steve, Rick, Linda and Chicky. Recently he enjoyed taking the grandkids grocery shopping so that they could push the cart while he navigated the buggy. He taught his boys the value of hard work and dedication and how to hunt, fish, trap and give back through conservation. He was very proud of his Nevada heritage and loved to read and study its rich history having retraced the emigrant trails from Pilot Peak to California and Oregon.
Jim is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Jim and Gina Rackley; Grandchildren Jessica and Jimmy; Son and daughter-in-law Smiley and Emmy Rackley; Granddaughters Elizabeth and Madison all of Winnemucca, NV. Mother-in-law, Myrtle Cox of Venice, Florida. Brother and sister-in-law Ira and Karen Rackley; Niece Sheri (Joel) Dunn and nephew Tommy (Jess) Rackley of Carson City. Brother and sister-in law Larry and Barbara Rackley of Lovelock, NV; Nieces Michon Rackley of Carson City; Chelli (Ricky) Steward of Spring Creek, NV. Brother-in-law John (Gloria) Cox of Venice Florida
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Sherril and parents James and Frances.
A memorial service will be held on November 20, 2016 at 2:00 pm at the Paradise Valley Community Hall. Interment will be at the Paradise Valley Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Red Well House Community Center in Paradise Valley, PO Box 22, Paradise Valley, NV 89426.
