Jack Hill McCracken

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Jack Hill McCracken, PhD on April 13, 2023 at the age of 81. Jack was born August 20, 1941 in Austin, Texas to parents Hazel May and Henry McCracken. He was the beloved husband of Jimmie McGehee McCracken, who dedicated herself faithfully to Jack’s care until the very end. Jack leaves behind his brother Patrick McCracken, children Laura McCracken and Lisa McCracken Hassel, son-in-law Mike Hassel, stepchildren Scott and Catherine Sanford, and six grandchildren who will miss him dearly. His passing was preceded by his parents, son Frank Stecco, and two siblings, Mary Jo and Don McCracken.

Jack attended the University of Texas Austin where he earned his PhD in Psychology. Prior to completing his studies, he served his country in the Marine Corps from 1965-1968 and was awarded both the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross in Vietnam for orchestrating and leading a dangerous mission to save comrades among other heroic efforts.

After the military and his education, Jack embarked upon a distinguished career at the intersection of psychology, engineering, and aviation in the Department of Defense and United States Army. As a former Marine pilot, he spent two decades of his career overseeing the development of a $29 billion lite helicopter project and simultaneously fighting vehemently against the proposed single-pilot helicopter program, which he successfully defeated in the interest of pilot safety and military effectiveness.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jack was known for his humility, integrity, sense of humor, and love of nature. Jack was a deep thinker who found the most joy in the simple things in life: listening to a Willie Nelson song; watching his Pecan trees grow; picking vegetables that he nurtured or spotting a beautiful owl in his birdbath at the crack of dawn. He was also a highly intelligent problem solver who could fix just about anything and used his talents to help others. But most importantly, he loved spending time with his loving wife of 32 years. Jack and Jimmie shared a passion for country dancing, gardening, wildlife, and travel and exploration. Jack also took great pride in his children and grandchildren and always had time to listen, share ideas and provide a sounding board for advice.

A celebration of Jack’s life is scheduled for April 26th at Cook-Walden Funeral Home in Georgetown at 3pm and will be officiated by Rev. Scott Sanford. The following day, his ashes will be interred at the Central Texas State Veteran’s Cemetery in Killeen. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends. Jack’s legacy will live on through the lessons he imparted on all of us as well as his contributions to psychology and aviation.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Meals on Wheels or The Caring Place in Georgetown.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldendavisfuneralhome.com for the McCracken family.