James "Jim" Kyle Rackley

A Celebration of Life will be on Sunday September 5, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the Pendleton Oregon Eagles, 428 S Main St, Pendleton, OR 97801

Jim passed away peacefully, July 23, 2021 in Gresham with his wife Elyn and his beloved dogs, Teddy and Tessie by his side.

Jim was born on October 8, 1945 in Kansas City, Missouri to Hal and Dixie (Perrine) Rackley. Jim grew up in Pendleton Oregon where he was a “Standout” athlete. He attended Boise State for one year and completed his college education at Idaho State where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He taught high school and coached three sports at Pocatello High School for eight years.

Jim Missed the Northwest and made the decision to move to Portland where he pursued several career paths and settled at Batesville Casket Company where he worked for 22 years until his retirement in 2012.

Jim met his wife Elyn and they married in 1990. Elyn shares Jim’s love of animals and they both enjoyed entertaining their many friends. Those friends will tell you that “Rackley Hospitality” is unsurpassed! Jim was often referred to as “Dr. Doolittle” since he was unable to turn his back on any injured creature. He was always ready to nurse them back to health and was known to feed any wildlife that came to his door. Jim knew no strangers; he could strike up a conversation with anyone.

Jim was preceded in death by his father Hal Rackley, his mother Dixie Rackley and brother Moody Rackley. He is survived by his wife Elyn of Gresham Oregon, brother Ernie (Tina) of Troy Michigan, brother in law Michael Dean Senda (Elena) of Glenview Illinois and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please donate to any animal rescue or shelter.