James W. Tracy, age 100 of The Villages, Florida departed this life on December 9, 2020.
Mr. Tracy was born November 18, 1920 in Marion County Indiana. He was a Boy Scout and attended the World Scout Jamboree in Edinburgh Scotland in 1939. While there Germany invaded Poland and he had to stay an extra month to wait for passage back to the states. Upon return he attended Butler for a short period of time before going to Canada and joining the Royal Canadian Regiment to fight Hitler in November 1939.
James lied about his age and address to join the fight against Hitler. He arrived in Europe Christmas Eve December 24, 1939. He returned September 6, 1945. During the 5 ½ years he survived the failed invasion of Dieppe, a torpedo to the ship he was on in the Mediterranean, Prisoner in Africa, 2 years of armed combat in the Poe Valley, hiding from the Nazis in barns, Invasion of Rome where he rode his motorcycle around the Colosseum and many more. Jim was one of 2 returning from a troop of 1,000 men. He received a 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal, CVSM & Clasp and War medal 1939-1945.
Upon his return to the States, he worked as a mechanic until he got a job at Indiana Bell/AT & T. He worked for Indiana Bell for 35+ years. He was an avid card player and chess player and swimmer. He loved life and lived it to the fullest.
Mr. Tracy was preceded in death by his parents Ezra Tracy, Nellie Reid Tracy Williams and William E. Williams, his brother Billy, wives Mary Goad, Emma Jo Tracy and Joyce Tracy.
He is survived by his children, Steve (Sheri) Tracy, Christina (Thierry) Perrin and Laura (Jim) Tracy; Grandchildren Megan Tracy and Claira Tracy.
Donations can be made to the Villages Honor Flight at villageshonorflight.org.
