By Mike Sparks
Tennessee Statesman Jim Tracy, Devoted Public Servant and Community Leader, Dies at 69
I first met Jim Tracy when I ran for Rutherford County Commission in 2002. Jim was always positive and encouraging. He truly listened and cared about Tennesseans.
As I write this, my wife Felicia is playing on the floor with my two grandkids, Grace, three and a half, and Henry David, nineteen months. I think having grandkids gives you a different perspective, a paradigm shift on how one views life. In our world full of increasing chaos and a lack of civility in politics, Jim Tracy brought a sense of calmness and statesmanship, listening to everyone’s concerns. He brought a sense of steadiness, the kind that reminded you politics could still be about people — not just power.
Even in his final days, Jim’s devotion to public service and community remained clear—a true Tennessee Statesman and beloved leader whose legacy will continue in Middle Tennessee.
That steadiness is what I keep coming back to as I think about the news of his passing. Jim Tracy served Bedford County, Moore County and part of Rutherford County in the Tennessee Senate for years, and later served rural Tennessee again as the state’s USDA Rural Development director. But the titles never explained the man. What explained him was the way he made you feel like the only person in the room, whether you were a county commission candidate, a constituent with a problem, or an old friend on a golf course. Many considered him a mentor, someone whose guidance shaped their own path in public service. Tennessee lost a statesman this week. Those of us who knew him lost a friend.
Tributes poured in from current and former Tennessee leaders following the passing of Senator Jim Tracy.
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally called him “a man of great integrity, faith, and unwavering dedication,” while the Tennessee Municipal League praised his strong advocacy for cities and towns across the state.
“Tennessee has lost a true statesman.
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Tennessee Senator Jim Tracy. Jim never met a stranger, whether in politics, coaching, refereeing, or business. His election helped usher in the majority era of the Tennessee Republican Party. He later retired from the State Senate after being appointed by President Trump as Tennessee State Director for USDA Rural Development.
His mentorship of countless elected officials will guide Tennessee’s future for decades to come. He was also an avid golfer, and I will always cherish the many rounds we played, the conversations we shared, and most importantly, his friendship.
The prayers of many are with his family and countless friends.”
— Scott Golden, Chairman, Tennessee Republican Party
U.S. Rep. John Rose said he and his wife, Chelsea, are mourning the loss of “a true leader in Tennessee.”
U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty called Tracy “a steadfast public servant” whose leadership left a lasting impact.
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn described Tracy as “a good man” and “a leader through and through,” noting his role in helping Republicans achieve a State Senate majority and his lifelong commitment to public service. She added that Tennessee “is better off because he answered the call to serve,” and said her prayers are with his wife, Trena, and their family.
Secretary of State Tre Hargett reflected on time spent together during runs, golf outings, and phone calls, saying Tracy “was blessed with the gift of being able to be everyone’s friend.”
Randy Boyd said Tracy “devoted his life to serving others with integrity, humility, and kindness.”
“All of us who knew Sen. Tracy are definitely mourning the loss of a friend and dedicated public servant whose commitment to our state and its people made a lasting difference. Jim’s legacy of service, community involvement, leadership, and integrity will continue to inspire everyone that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with Trena and the entire Tracy family.” — Sen. Dawn White
“I am truly saddened to hear of the passing of my good friend Jim Tracy. He was a true statesman—a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
I will always cherish the days we traveled across Tennessee together while serving with the Department of Commerce and Insurance, visiting local fire departments. We shared meaningful conversations about life and family that I will never forget.
God bless his family and all who knew him. He will be truly missed.”
— Gary Farley, Former Tennessee State Fire Marshal
“Jim Tracy was one of a kind. He was a Christian, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to everyone he met.
To me, he was both a father figure and a best friend. He cared deeply about people and never met a stranger. I believe God uniquely called him to public service. Our state—and especially communities across Rutherford County and Middle Tennessee—are better because of him.
He will be greatly missed.”
— Clint Hall, Former Campaign Staffer and NHC Director of Government Affairs
“Jim Tracy was one of the most generous and encouraging people I have ever known. He believed deeply in helping others and dedicated his time, talent, and resources to strengthening communities across Tennessee.
To me, he was not only a Habitat leader and champion, but also a mentor and friend. What I will remember most is his heart. Whenever I called, he would answer with the same words: ‘Tell me something good, Colleen.’ That simple phrase reflected how he lived—always looking for the good in people, celebrating their successes, and inspiring others to do the same.
His impact on Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee and across our state cannot be measured. We are better because of Jim Tracy, and he will be deeply missed.”
— Colleen Dudley, State Director, Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee
“The word that best describes Jim is integrity. Whether he was serving his community, his church, his family, or the people of Tennessee, he led with humility, compassion, and unwavering character. “Jim Tracy’s legacy won’t simply be measured by the offices he held or the legislation he helped pass. It will be measured by the lives he touched, the young people he mentored, and the kindness he showed every person he met. I am one of many whose life is better because Jim believed in me.”
“I have often said that I owe my career to Jim Tracy, but the truth is I owe him far more than that. He taught me how to lead, how to serve, and how to treat people. I will spend the rest of my life trying to live up to the example he set.”
—Warren Wells, CEO of Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration
“Jim was a true gentlemen in every way. He impacted countless lives, both as a public servant but also as a wonderful friend to all. We will miss him!” — Daniel Gammon, Rutherford County Republican Party Chairman
Jim was born on October 9, 1956, to the late James and Betty Tracy in Jackson, Tennessee.
Jim was raised in Hardin County and graduated from Savannah Central High School, Class of 1974. He was a standout two-sport athlete for the Tigers in both football and baseball throughout high school, leading to a stellar baseball career as a starting pitcher for both Freed-Hardeman College and the University of Tennessee at Martin. He earned his degree in Agriculture Education from UT-Martin.
Soon after, he began his six-year career as a high school coach and a teacher. “Coach Tracy” is still fondly remembered by his players at Southeast Whitfield in Dalton, Georgia, Mobile Christian in Mobile, Alabama, and Columbia Academy in Columbia, Tennessee.
Jim then settled in as a highly successful insurance agent, eventually owning and operating his own insurance company for Nationwide Insurance in Shelbyville, Tennessee. For more than 20 years, he sold all lines of insurance and made strong connections with people from all over the middle Tennessee area. Meanwhile, he stayed busy in his free time pursuing his passion of officiating high school basketball, traveling all over the midstate and thoroughly enjoying his interactions with coaches and players. He went on to officiate junior college and Division I basketball all across the southeast.
Jim continually served and stayed involved in the Shelbyville community. He served as a Bedford County Board of Education member and chairman, President of the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, founding member of the Bedford County Economic Development and Tourism committee, and Chairman of the Tennessee Leadership Council of the National Federation of Independent Business.
In November 2004, Jim made his historical entry into Tennessee state politics, winning the State Senate election in the 16th district. He would go on to serve eight years as State Senator for the 16th district, representing Rutherford, Bedford, and Moore County, and five years as State Senator for the 14th district, representing Rutherford, Bedford, Moore, Lincoln, and Marshall County. He served as Assistant Floor Leader of the Senate Republican Caucus, the Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, and a member of the Senate Education Committee and the Senate State and Local Government Committee. He also served as Speaker Pro Tempore under Lt. Governor and Speaker of the Senate Randy McNally. Additionally, he was a very popular U.S. Congressional candidate in both the 2010 and 2014 Republican primaries. He later was honored to serve under President Donald J. Trump as the Tennessee State Director of USDA Rural Development.
In his free time, Jim also enjoyed golfing, running/walking, attending local events, quail hunting, spending time with his family and especially his grandkids, and University of Tennessee and Middle Tennessee State University athletics. He loved being outdoors and always enjoyed meeting all the great people across the state. His relationships span all 95 of Tennessee’s counties and his public service will forever be legendary.
Jim was a lifelong faithful Christian, a loving husband, a devoted family man, a proud father and grandfather, and a treasured friend to many.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Trena Ludke Tracy; his sons, Chad (Heather) Tracy of Auburn, Alabama, Craig Tracy of Shelbyville, and Connor (Gracie) Tracy of Knoxville, Tennessee; and three grandchildren: Will, Mitch, and Ryn. He is also survived by his brother Steve of Lebanon, Tennessee.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the North Boulevard Church of Christ in Murfreesboro (1112 N. Rutherford Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37130) with Brother Tony Holt officiating. Burial will follow at Rosebank Cemetery in Flat Creek, Tennessee with Russ Countess Officiating.
Visitation with the family will be held prior to funeral services beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at North Boulevard Church of Christ
Memorial donations may be made to Shelbyville Firefighter Foundation (111 Lane Parkway
Shelbyville, TN 37160), or to Special Kids Inc
(2132 E Main St Murfreesboro, TN 37130).
Doak Funeral Home is serving the family.
www.doakfh.com
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