James Robert Trace

With a heavy broken heart our family will say our final farewell to Jim, “JT” . He left this life on April 30th in Tucson, Az . He suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on April 25th. Jim loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was kind, patient and always ready with a laugh. “JT” was loved by all. He was lovable.

He was born January 21, 1952 in Pottstown, Pa. He grew up in Boyertown, graduated from Boyertown HS. Attended Shippensburg University. In his early 20’s he worked for Bakers shoes in Philadelphia. Always fascinated by the west he transferred to Tucson in October 1975. He called Tucson his home for 50 years.

He then worked as a skycap at the Tucson International Airport, until a motorcycle accident rendered him unable to do such a physical job any longer. He later took the post office test, and scored very well . He stared his career in 1979 until he retired in 2011. Jim went back to work at Lowe’s in 2013 working part time in the plumbing department. A job he truly enjoyed and of course made many friends there as well. He retired in 2016.

Jim married Ann in 1978. They had a daughter Natalie, then a grandson Isaiah. Jim loved baseball and he coached Natalie’s softball team and Isaiah’s baseball team. He was in his element. He loved being around baseball. He was so proud of his daughter Natalie . She put herself through school getting her nursing degree and then completing her Masters in Nursing. Their grandson, Isaiah born in 2005. Jim took such love and pride in helping to raise his grandson Isaiah. He loved teaching him to ride his bike, throw a baseball, go fishing ,and camping . They had tickets to the U of A football games, which they really enjoyed.

Jim had many interest. He loved reading and playing golf. He loved being out in nature, camping, fishing and the mountains. He loved traveling with his family. He especially loved baseball. He played when he was younger and followed the game throughout his whole life. Especially his favorite team, the Phillies. As an adult he was an avid fantasy baseball league member for 40 years. This gave him so much joy and he had life long friends in this league.

He also loved photography. In his younger years he took pictures of the UofA Men’s basketball team. He developed his own film and was lucky enough to have some of his photographs appear in the Wildcat newspaper.

Jim’s affection for animals was evident throughout his life. There always was a fury friend by his side. He was a lifelong dog owner . At the time of his passing he shared his home with 2 poodles, Daisy and Dugout. The dogs are being cared for by his wife Ann.

Jim is survived by his wife Ann , their daughter Natalie, grandson Isaiah, and two older, sisters Barbara Huerter and Cherylene Shollenberger, both residing in Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. Trace , and Ruth N . Trace.

Those who knew Jim would remember him as a kind, caring, loving, generous man . He was just a good guy. A guy you wanted to be around. He had a sense of humor and could always put a smile on your face.

He left this world too soon and we will all miss him terribly. I hope when you think of JT, you will smile. Think of something funny he said or did. He was one of a kind and we were all fortunate to have known and loved him. My beloved “JT”

A Celebration of Life will be announced soon. To be held mid June . Details will be announced on FB and word of mouth