Dr. James R McCracken

MCCRACKEN, Dr. James Richard McCracken, 64, Dayton, Ohio, passed away July 9, 2016. Jim was born September 30, 1951 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Richard Warren McCracken and the late Harriette Joan (Hicks) McCracken. An Eagle Scout, Jim graduated from Amelia High School in 1969. He later received his B.S. degree in comprehensive science/physics education from Ohio University (1974), his M.Ed. in natural sciences from Western Washington University (1978), and his Ph.D. in cognitive engineering, systems engineering and design from The Ohio State University (1990). He taught physics, chemistry, and general science and coached basketball at Piqua, Ohio from 1974 until leaving to begin work on his doctoral degree in 1983. Upon graduation from OSU, Jim worked for several aerospace engineering firms in the Dayton area, providing human factors expertise in the development of advanced systems for the military. In 2003 he founded The Design Knowledge Company and served as its Chief Scientist and CEO until his death.

Jim is survived by his wife Debra (Warner) McCracken, his father Richard McCracken (and wife Emeline), his sister Janice (Dennis) Holland and three nieces, Shelli Holland, Tricia (Harlan) Wilkerson, and Jennifer (Danny) Brantley, as well as his niece and nephew by marriage, Nicole and Skylar Warner. He leaves behind great-nieces and great-nephews Kaitlynne, Allison, Ashlyn, Michael, and Matthew. Jim is also survived by a host of devoted friends, cousins, and colleagues. Jim was a lifelong learner, with hundreds of books in his well-read library. The creation of Design Knowledge leaves a legacy of devoted employee-friends whose accomplishments made him proud. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeye, and always carried three buckeyes in his pocket for good luck on game days. He had a beautiful mind and a tender and generous heart.

His family will receive friends Saturday, July 23, at the Vandalia United Methodist Church, 200 S. Dixie Dr., Vandalia, OH, from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m., with a memorial service following at 2:30. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Dayton History Fund, Hospice of Dayton, or SICSA.