James R. Pracker

James Robert Pracker, ‘Jim’, 83, of Newbury, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025. Jim was the son of the late Frank and Jean (nee Baker) Pracker. Besides his parents, Jim is preceded in death by Judy L. Harvey (late wife), Linda Blais (late wife), and Phyllis Vandette (late wife), and daughter Cathy Zupancic (husband Thomas, living).

Jim is remembered by his children Jerry Pracker (Nancy), Julie Bell, and Kelly Kitko (Vince); grandchildren Stephen, Jessica, Christina, Christopher, Amanda, Heather, Raygen, Morgan, Shannon, TJ, Kodi, Devon, and Carter; 17 great grandchildren; significant other of 10 years, Patricia Reed; and many other loving family members and friends.

Jim had an extraordinary mind and willpower to boot. He founded, owned and operated a trifecta of businesses geared towards everything two-way radio communications and tower sites. If it could squelch, transmit and receive Jim could make it work. Much of Northeast Ohio's police, fire, rescue and service departments relied on Jim's expertise to keep their communication systems up and running. He was referred to by some as "The Great Marconi". Jim has also served his community as a police officer for 20 years, volunteer firefighter, and EMT locally as well as racetrack fire rescue crew and trainer. These endeavors cultivated Jim's need for speed and passion for car collecting. Jim trained and began racing SCCA in 2002. He has won numerous awards in the car show arena and is an Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee at Shaker Heights High School ('59). Jim loved what he did in his life and shared those passions vehemently. If there is a way, Jim will try to communicate from wherever he is. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 10am until 11am at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home located at 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, Ohio 44026. Celebration on Life Service will begin promptly at 11am. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in Rock Creek.