James Thomas Tracy Sr.

James Thomas Tracy Sr., 84, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, December 22, 2017 at St. Mary’s hospital in Duluth. Jim was battling several medical ailments that advanced in the past year.

Known by many as “Big Jim,” he was born in Superior to his parents Frank and Lillian on February 6, 1933. Jim attended Cathedral School from elementary through high school where he met his sweetheart and eventual bride of 59 years Marjorie Stack, a fellow classmate of the Cathedral High School class of 1951.

Upon graduation from Cathedral, Jim attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior where he earned a degree in geology, played football under legendary coach Mertz Mortorelli, and was a member of the FEX fraternity. Jim worked for the railroad prior to being drafted into the United States Navy where he served for three years. Jim’s cousin, Fr. Donn Tracy, married Jim and Marge in 1958 at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Beginning in 1958, Jim worked as a mechanical contractor with Stack Bros., Inc. until his retirement in 1998. Jim and Marge raised three boys at homes in Hayes Court and on Hammond Ave. in Superior; Tom (born September 13, 1959), Tim (born December 7, 1961), and Matt (born January 7, 1966).

Jim was a pioneer of Catholic education in the city of Superior and beyond. In addition to sending his own children through Cathedral School, Jim served on the Diocesan school board for the Diocese of Superior for 13 years. It was in this position that Jim developed dynamic relationships with many clergymen in the Diocese, particularly Msgr. Ed Meulemans who remained a close friend. As recognition for their impact on Catholic education, Jim and Marge were the first couple to receive the Lumen Christi award from Cathedral School in May 2017.

Jim also served in various positions of leadership and service as a parishioner at the Cathedral and St. Pius X parish in Solon Springs. He was the last surviving member of the first group of lay lectors at the Cathedral following the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. He also served on the Building and Grounds committee of the Cathedral for many years and was an instrumental member of the Cathedral Enhancement committee that orchestrated a multi-million dollar renovation of the Cathedral in 2005. Jim also reprised his childhood role as an altar server in the last few years with Fr. Jim Kinney at St. Pius X.

Jim gave of himself in service to the community of Superior in various roles. Following a car accident in 2000, Jim started a volunteer group that helped escort patients around St. Mary’s hospital in Superior. He faithfully volunteered there on Tuesday afternoons each week for the next 15 years. Over the years, Jim also served as a board member for several local and regional business organizations. He was a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus and served as council president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Superior in the 1990s.

Jim enjoyed time spent with his wife and family, particularly in the summertime at their home on Lake Beauregard in Barnes, WI. He loved the woods and outdoors and was a great steward of ecology. He could often be found perusing the city of Superior in his truck to check with friends and colleagues for the latest buzz around town. Jim was always immersed in a do-it-yourself project around the house or cabin and was well known later in life for his colossal batches of horseradish and pickled onions which he dispersed free of charge throughout Douglas County.

It appeared to most that Jim knew everyone well or had a special social affiliation with most people. These connections facilitated awesome conversations and stories to take place; many of these we are sure will be topics of discussion during this time of remembrance. He loved life, he diligently prepared for the end of his time on earth, and while doing so he most often made others smile.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, brother Gene Tracy, sisters Dona Serrano and Mary Sirek, and son Tim.

He is survived by his wife Marjorie, sons Tom (Lynn) in Superior and Matt (Karen) in St. Michael, MN, daughter-in-law Tammy in Nashville, TN, along with eight grandchildren James III (Cassie) in Maple Grove, MN, Dan in St. Francis, WI, Anne in St. Paul, MN, Kellen in Superior, Taylor in Nashville, Joshua, Sydney, and Jackson in St. Michael, MN.

Visitation service will be held at the Cathedral of Christ the King at 1410 Baxter Ave. in Superior on Wednesday, December 27 beginning at 5:00 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., a rosary, Society of St. Vincent de Paul Top Hat ceremony, and scripture service will conclude the evening visitation. Visitation will continue on Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral on Thursday followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci presiding. Pallbearers for the Mass will be grandsons Kellen Tracy, Joshua Tracy, Jackson Tracy, and friends Bob Cragin, Milt Bounting, and John Devinck.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to Cathedral School or the Sacred Heart of Jesus Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.downs-lesage.com.