James W. Rackley Sr.

James W. Rackley Sr., age 87, of Mena, died Saturday, March 19, 2011 at his home. He was born on Tuesday, May 15, 1923 to Albert and Mary Alice Means Long in Saltillo, Miss. Jim started his coaching career at Palestine, Ark. from 1952-1954. Then in 1955, he began a 30 year legacy at Mena High School. He was the Mena High School Athletic Director. During his coaching career he took 11 different teams to the Arkansas State Tournament, with two state semi-finals, five state quarter finals, six District Championships and six runners-ups. In 1959, he was chosen to be an assistant All-Star coach for the West; in 1969, he was the head All-Star coach for the West and won that game; in 1976, he was the assistant football coach for the State Championship; in 1979, Southwest Times All-Area Coach; and had the honor of having Mena High School Gymnasium named Jim Rackley Gymnasium. In 1984, he was honored by the Mena/ Polk County Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year. In 1985 he retired from Mena Public Schools, with a retirement party held at Jansen Park, given to him by all the boys that played basketball. As a gift they gave him a bass boat and a trip to Hawaii. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and mentor for so many people of Mena. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Lavena Rackley of the home; one son, James Rackley Jr. and wife Lisa of Mena; two daughters, Marilyn Davenport and husband John of Mena and Patti Moran of Mena; one half sister Jeanette Downs of Aberdeen, Miss.; seven grandchildren, Kelly Wallaert of Chicago, Ill., Lindsey Davenport of Conway, John Alan Davenport of Conway, Crystal Rackley of Mena, Chase Rackley of Fort Smith, Neil Moran of Mena and Laura Moran of Conway; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Mena with Dr. David McCord officiating. Interment will follow in the Pine Crest Cemetery under the direction of the Hall Funeral Service in Mena. Visitation will be held Monday, March 21, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. in the Hall Funeral Service Chapel. Memorials can be sent to The Bearcat Foundation, Inc., P. O. Box 281, Mena, Ark. 71953. Online Guestbook: www.hallfs.com.