James Roy McCracken

James Roy "J.R." McCracken Mr. James Roy "J.R." McCracken passed away July 28th, in a San Antonio hospital, at the age of 64. J.R. was born Sept. 25, 1945 in Hillsboro, IL to Dwight and Elizabeth Bateson McCracken. J.R. received his undergraduate degree with honors from Eastern Illinois University in 1967. After service as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, he earned his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1973 and a Master of Urban Planning degree from Texas A&M in 1978. He is admitted to practice law in Texas and Illinois. J.R. was also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and all four United States District Courts in Texas. He practiced primarily in the areas of estate planning and business planning. In addition to his extensive legal education and experience, J.R. had taken numerous courses in estate and financial planning and has held the following designations: Certified Financial Planner, Certified Senior Advisor, Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Life Underwriter. J.R. had his State Life and Health Insurance licenses. He was also a certified DollarPlan instructor for the National Center for Financial Education in San Francisco, CA and had been a newspaper columnist on financial and estate planning matters. He was preceded in death by his father, Dwight McCracken. He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth McCracken of Hillsboro, IL; a sister, Mary Casey and husband Andy of Palms, CA and several nephews and nieces from CA and ME. He is also survived by his wife Connie and her daughters Jessica and Steffanie Eckhardt. A memorial service for J.R. will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 7th, in Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, Fredericksburg, TX. Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 244 of Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg Food Pantry, Golden Hub Community Center, or the charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be left at www.fredericksburg-funerals.com Funeral arrangements under the direction of Fredericksburg Funeral Home.