The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

Nov. 26, 1941 – Aug. 18, 2020

James McCracken, 78, of Crawfordsville, died Aug. 18, 2020.

He was born Nov. 26, 1941 in Island Lake, Wis. to Harold and Dora (Waugh) McCracken.

He lived in Island Lake until 1965, when he moved to Anderson, Calif. In 1970, he moved to Crawfordsville.

Mr. McCracken worked in paper mills, retiring from Pope and Talbot. He was also a volunteer fireman in Crawfordsville. His lifelong hobby was working on gas engines and he was a member of Branch 15 Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association.

He was a collector of old gas engines and tube radios. He was a member of Riverside Christian Church.

Mr. McCracken is survived by his wife, Cathye McCracken of Crawfordsville; children Jamie McCracken of Albany, Chris McCracken of Glendale, Ariz., Michael Elliott of Vienna, Mo., Terisa Northcott of Walpole, N.H., and Michael Lummus of Tillamook; 10 grandchildren; and six great- grandchildren.

Celebration of life will be next spring. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to SHEM (Sweet Home Emergency Ministries) or EDGE&TA (Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association) at: Branch 15 EDGE&TA, PO box 23385, Tigard, Oregon 97281.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.