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 High School from 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, 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 and 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 in 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 12:00 pm with internment at the Paradise Valley Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Red Well House Community Center in Paradise Valley.
