James W. Brackney

James W. Brackney

(July 20, 1934 –  December 9, 2023 )

James Willis “Jim” Brackney , 89, Washington, IL, formerly of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 3:37 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Carle Health Proctor Hospital, Peoria, IL.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2023 in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, 415 N. Broadway, Shelbyville, IL 62565.  Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 23, 2023 in Union Cemetery, Altamont, IL, with Bob Herdes officiating.  Memorials may be given to the Shelbyville Education Fund for the James Brackney Educational Scholarship.

Jim was born on July 20, 1934 in Sullivan, IL, the son of John W. and Leah Faye (Bieber) Brackney. He graduated from Litchfield High School in the Class of 1952. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and his Master’s degree in Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He began his career in education as a Speech and English teacher at Litchfield High School before being drafted into the United States Army. Jim served during the Korean War from 1957 – 1958. After serving in the military, Jim was hired as a teacher in Altamont, where he would later become principal. Jim married Rita Sue Blakely on July 20, 1960 in the First United Methodist Church in Altamont. Jim later served as principal at Byron High School for 13 years, and Shelbyville High School for 19 years until the time of his retirement in 1992. He then worked at Lake Land College where he helped develop the Tech Prep Program. Jim & Sue enjoyed 30 years of retirement in Bradenton, FL, where they golfed and spent time with friends and family. Jim was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoyed attending Washington High School football games.

Jim is survived by three children, Cheryl Carney (Patrick) of St. Charles, IL, Steve Brackney (Melynda) of Frontenac, MO and Karen Stevens (Todd) of Washington, IL; six grandchildren, Cloe and Jack Brackney, Patrick and Bill Carney, and Bryn and Ben Stevens; and four great grandchildren, Hank and Norman Carney and Reese and Averie Carney.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rita Sue Brackney on November 16, 2022; and brother, Terry Brackney.