James L. Brackett, 92, Marion, went to be with the Lord at 4:05 p.m. on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. He was born in Gastonia, NC, on September 14, 1926, and was the son of the late Robert Green and Mattie Lela (Queen) Brackett. On May 1, 1949, he married his sweetheart, Freda L. Inskeep, and she survives.
James served as a PFC in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He received his B.S. degree from Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University) and M.A. degree from Ball State University. He began his teaching career at Liberty School in Miami County, where he taught for one year. He then taught 5th and 6th grade Math, Science, and English at Sweetser Elementary with Oak Hill United School Corp. for 36 years until his retirement. During his time of teaching, he helped with the Scouting Program for many years, serving as Secretary on the Scouting Committee.
James was a regular attender at College Wesleyan Church and Treasurer of his Sunday School class, keeping track of attendance and finances each Sunday. He loved statistics and would also keep track of stats while listening to games on the radio.
Some of his favorite hobbies included reading (especially Westerns), riding his bicycle all over the county, bird watching, taking nature walks, working crossword puzzles, going to auctions, and recycling just about anything. Above all things, though, it was the Lord and his family who had his heart. He lived for them and finished the race here on earth well! “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
He will be missed by his wife of nearly 70 years, Freda Brackett, Marion; children: Carolyn (Darrel) Hargis, Marion; James (Deborah) Brackett, Beloit, KS; Ruth Ann Oliver, Marion; Richard (Debbie Harrell) Brackett, Marion; and Nancy (David) Weaver, Marion; 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Wesley Goins; son-in-law, John Oliver; and 12 siblings.
The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with James’ funeral service beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN. Pastor Judy Crossman will be officiating, with burial following at Gardens of Memory.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to College Wesleyan Church Outreach Fund.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.