James Allen McCracken, age 84 of Alto, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2019 at home.  The son of John & Minetta (Pratt) McCracken, Jim was born January 7, 1935 in Sparta. 

A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served as a vehicle mechanic and was stationed in Okinawa for 18 months before being honorably discharged in 1956.  He worked as a pin setter at the Sparta Lanes, brick layer and maintenance manager at Meijer. Everyone that met him loved him because he had a magical way of making people feel like they were special and loved.  Jim enjoyed hunting in Ashton and fishing all around Michigan and in Chapleau, Canada.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Michele (Tom) VanTrease;  granddaughter, Heather McCracken;  and three brothers, Richard, Robert and Jack.

Surviving are his children, Steve Herington, Brian & Tammy McCracken, Diane & Bob Lubinskas;  his grandchildren Kenny & Jessica Herington, Alex Herington, Mandy VanIersel, Jessica & James Kenney, Mike VanIersel, Keith McCracken, Kyle McCracken, Nikki McCracken, Thomas VanTrease, Leeah & Steve Roberts, Erin & Dan Rudd, Brent & Tia Riva, Chad & Monica Riva;  and many great-grandchildren.

The family invites relatives and friends to a celebration of life gathering and luncheon from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at the Ray I. Booth American Legion Post 101, 1320 W. Washington Street (M-57), Greenville.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Jim's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit:  www.ChristiansenCares.com  Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville.