James William Gracey

James “Jim” William Gracey, age 80 of Oviedo, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2023. A native Floridian, he was born October 28, 1942 in Sanford, Florida. He was married to the love of his life, Judy, for 55 years and had one son, John, who he considered his greatest accomplishment.

Jim served his country as a member of the United States Air Force, and retired from the University of Central Florida in 2000, after a 30+ year career, most of which was spent as Director of the Career Resource Center. He was an avid basketball player, competing throughout high school and college, and then as a multi-medal winning participant in the Florida Senior and Golden Age Games. Also an animal lover, Jim spent many years raising dogs (beagles and labrador retrievers), cats, and championship quarter horses at his home in Oviedo.

Jim loved to travel and was fortunate to visit Alaska, New England, Holland (Michigan), Canada, Nova Scotia, Ireland, Costa Rica, Italy, England, Greece and Turkey. He enjoyed hiking in the US National Parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Capital Reef, Mount Ranier, and Zion.

Jim is pre-deceased by his brother Virgil L. Gracey and sister Patricia Gracey Bowen.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Anne Levine Gracey; son, John David Gracey, and brother Timothy Gracey.

Arrangements entrusted to Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Oviedo Chapel.