Born: March 11, 1957

Died: July 12, 2013

James Jay Tracey, 56, passed away from a sudden illness in Hacienda Iguana, Nicaragua July 12, 2013. He was born in Niles, Mich., to Tracey and Ruth Ann (Mattix) Diel.

A Niles High School graduate, James served 10 years with the U.S. Marine Corps while advancing his education at Temp Community College in Arizona, Indiana University and Thomas Cooley School of Law.

James worked in private practice until retirement, then developed an ocean front resort known as Hacienda Iguana, Nicaragua. He recently wrote and had published a book about his childhood growing up in the Oak Manor subdivision entitled, “Maple Manor.”

Surviving family members include his father, Roger Tracey of Niles, mother Ruth Ann Diehl of Dearborn, son Anthony Roger Tracey, sister Pam (Bob Miller), brother Tom (Luann) Tracey, along with four wonderful nieces Stephanie and Courtney Miller and Erin and Heather Tracey along with his companion of 22 years Heiki Williams.

At the request of the deceased, cremation has taken place and a private service will be held at a later date.

The families wishes are that any donations be made to the Anthony Tracey Education Fund at Chemical Bank, 407 E. Main St., Niles, MI 49120 to help his son further his education.