James Tracy McCauley, 89
September 30, 1935 – July 28, 2025
James Tracy McCauley, age 89, departed this earthly life peacefully on Monday morning, July 28, 2025, at Diversicare Health and Rehabilitation Center in Ripley, Mississippi.
Per Mr. McCauley’s personal request, he will be cremated, and a memorial service honoring his well-lived life will be held at 2 PM on Monday, August 4, 2025, in the Memory Chapel of New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care. Visitation will begin at 12 Noon and continue until the time of service.
Born on September 30, 1935, in Union County, Mississippi, Mr. McCauley was the devoted son of the late James Mosco McCauley and Gladys Marie Hill McCauley. He graduated from Macedonia School and furthered his education before beginning a meaningful and impactful career with Beverly Health and Rehab in Batesville. For over twenty-five years, he served as a nursing home administrator, a role that perfectly matched his compassionate heart and natural leadership. His kindness, integrity, and commitment to caring for others left a lasting mark on those he served and worked alongside.
On June 3, 1976, Mr. McCauley married, Mrs. Mary Lee Rodgers McCauley, with whom he shared a beautiful marriage filled with adventure, devotion, and shared faith. Together, they traveled the world—taking part in mission trips to Africa and Honduras, going on multiple camping trips, and making memories wherever life took them. Though Mary wasn’t too fond of the motorcycle, Mr. McCauley found joy in riding with her by his side. Their marriage was a true partnership—a love that reflected Christ in every season of life.
A Christian and member of Saint Andrew’s Methodist Church, Mr. McCauley was a man of quiet strength and sincere faith. He was known for his sharp appearance, his love of dancing, and his eagerness to enjoy life’s simple pleasures—whether it was a night out for dinner, working in his shop with woodworking projects, or greeting life with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. He believed in living each day fully, and his warmth and wit left a lasting impression on everyone who had the blessing of knowing him.
Now, having run his race and kept the faith, Mr. McCauley has been joyfully reunited with his beloved Mary, along with others gone on before him in the presence of the Lord. No longer limited by time or illness, he is dancing once again—this time on the golden streets of Heaven, dressed in eternal glory, rejoicing in the presence of his Savior. What a day of celebration it must be.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23
Those left to carry on his lasting legacy include one stepdaughter, Gina Larid (Kyle), nephews, Randy (Tammy), and Ray (Vicki), niece, Pam (Billy), grandchildren, Cody Truett (Jo Mathis), and Meagan Williamson (Patick), great grandchildren, Caiden and Addison Smith, a great great grandchild, Mckenzie Smith, and a host of great nieces, great nephews, family, and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. McCauley is also preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret McCauley and Fairy “Vickie” McCauley, and one niece, Shelia.
New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care invites you to share memories with Mr. McCauleys family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Monday
August 4, 2025
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Memory Chapel of New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care (West Bankhead)
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Celebration of Life
Monday
August 4, 2025
2:00 PM
Memory Chapel of New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care (West Bankhead)
