James Willard Tracy

James Willard Tracy, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on May 8, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on February 6,1929 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, James lived an extraordinary life filled with love, adventure, wisdom, dedication, and kindness.

James was a brilliant man with many passions. He served in the Navy during the Korean War and spent over 30 years as an educator in the fields of math and science in the Bloomington, Minnesota school district. He loved music, reading, chess, cards, the Vikings, the Twins, travel, movies, and photography.

Many summers were spent camping with his family in the US and Canada, learning about the history and beauty of the National Parks. He also established an annual tradition of vacationing on Lake Vermilion, a tradition his family still maintains over 50 years later. He loved everyone and supported many charities.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lillian, loving wife Phyllis, son Joel, and sisters Grace Huber and Janis Neilson. He is survived by his son James and wife Susan, son Jonathan, daughters Joy and Jane Christensen, daughter-in-law Delia Flynn; grandchildren James, Brian, and Daniel Tracy, Britt and Abigail Tracy, Patrick and Eric Christensen; great-grandchildren Evelyn, Charlotte, and James Tracy.

A private memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Resurrection Chapel in Mendota Heights, MN. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Hospice at https://gracecaring.org/support-us/