James William Mc-Cracken (Jim) was born January 25th, 1929, to Lewis James and Mary Elizabeth (Dye) Adams McCracken on the family farm south of Davenport, Oklahoma.
He was the youngest of three children, which includes: his brother Emerson Adams and sister Mary Louise Mc-Cracken Keeling. He passed from this life on January 4, 2024, in Oklahoma City, OK with family by his side. He lived his whole life on the farm where he was born. He learned to milk cows and farm alongside his dad. He delivered milk to people in town each morning before being dropped off at school. Another chore for him was to walk a mean old mule named Pete, that he hated and to water each day, saying his dad made him do it. From a young age, he loved to hunt, fish and did so every time he had the chance.
He attended Davenport High School, graduating in 1947. The rest of his life, Jim continued as a proud supporter of Davenport Schools and activities. He looked forward to the yearly high school reunion and parade where he always rode on his class float. Jim was honored to be Marshal of the alumni parade on May 7th, 2022. He led the parade riding in a Model T. Halfway through the parade the car died and refused to start. The car and its occupants were pushed by young men the rest of the way. Jim got a big laugh out of it, enjoying the rest of the ride. After high school he worked on the family farm with his dad until he was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served in the Korean War, a tough experience. On one occasion he was blown out of a fox hole. Although sadly many lives were lost that day, a broken ear drum was his only injury. While away he wrote love letters to his sweetheart Pauline Mathews who lived on the farm across the road from him while they were in high school. She became his wife on June 26th, 1953, at the Davenport Presbyterian Church which his dad helped build. They made their home on the McCracken family farm in Davenport. In October 1954 they welcomed their first daughter Jamie Louise and three years later in December of 1957 they welcomed a second daughter Maribeth.
Jim owned and operated a feed store in downtown Davenport where he worked until he got a job atTinker Air Force Base. He continued to farm and commuted to work at the base until he retired. Jim enjoyed the simple things in life. Watching football, westerns and reading Louis L’Amour books were some of Jim’s favorite. Along with hunting and fishing he enjoyed camping with his wife Pauline and girls.They enjoyed attending all their daughters’ various school activities and he was their biggest fan. He went on many senior class trips over the years with Pauline, who was the class sponsor and was known to be a great chaperone, letting the young men cut loose but not too much. He especially looked forward to his hunting trips with lifelong friend Arch Hopkins, his brother Emerson, Nephew Mark Adams and other friends. They also took family vacations which sometimes included extended family and friends.Together he and Pauline welcomed two granddaughters. On October 10th, 1989, tragically his beloved wife of 36 years, Pauline, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. It was a very sad time for all, but especially for Jim. Once again, Jim was blessed with a second loving wife that he loved and adored. On November 3rd, 1990, in a backyard ceremony on the McCracken family farm he married Edith Viola Martin Edwards. Edith adored and cared for Jim every day for the rest of his life. They joked, had fun playing games and attending Davenport sporting events. He also enjoyed attending school activities of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. At the house there was always a pot of coffee ready to be shared by any who would sit a spell and visit. Jim and Edith were happily married for 33 years. Jim and Edith attended the Davenport Church of Christ where he will be greatly missed for his positive attitude and faithful attendance.
Jim is proceeded in death by his parents, L.J. and Mary McCracken, wife Pauline McCracken, brother Emerson Adams, sister-in-law Mary Adams, sister Mary Keeling, brother-in-law JD Keeling. Jim leaves behind his wife Edith McCracken, daughters Jamie McCracken and Maribeth Davis, granddaughters Holly and Sarah, stepdaughters Glenna Elmore and Tamara Blakely, grandchildren and many greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well other family and countless friends.
His final resting place will be in the McCracken family plot at the Davenport cemetery awaiting the coming of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home. A funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Davenport Church of Christ. A visitation was held on Monday, January 8, 2024, at the Davenport Church of Christ from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.