James Oliver Tracy Sr.

December 3, 1932 - January 21, 2019

James Oliver Tracy Sr., age 86, of Provo, died of natural causes on January 21, 2019. Jim was born December 3, 1932 in Flint, Michigan to Alphild Gerda Fredericka Bergman and Namon Orvis Tracy. He married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Joan Hannah September 2, 1952. Together they had seven children. Jim served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command from 1952 to 1972, which included the Korea Conflict and Vietnam War, retiring with the rank of captain. After Jim retired from Military service, he moved his family to Provo, Utah. Jim worked for Utah County serving as the Civil Defense Director for several years. He then served as a Communications Specialist for Utah State Department of Comprehensive Emergency Management, retiring for a final time in 1994. Jim was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many leadership positions in numerous wards and branches throughout his military travels. Jim and Beverly served two service missions for the LDS Church, and worked many years as ordinance workers in the Provo Temple. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Beverly, his parents, great-grandson, Jaxis Thomas and seven of his eight siblings. He is survived by his seven children: James O. (Linda) Tracy Jr., Deborah M. Tracy, Shannon M. (Vicki) Tracy, Brenda L. (Robert) Chabot, Kristyl L. (Curtis) Ripplinger, Lisa A. (Steven) Steele, and Valorie J. (Lewis) Reed; 34 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and his younger brother, Roger Tracy. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 26, 2019 in the Edgemont 2nd Ward Chapel, 555 East 3230 North, Provo, Utah. Family and friends may visit with the family at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street, Friday, January 25, from 6-8:00 p.m. and at the church Saturday, from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. prior to services. Interment will be in Eastlawn Memorial Hills Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bergmortuary.com.