Julian “Tracey” James, 82, of New Haven Senior Living, Little River, SC passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023.  He is survived by his wife, Phyllis G. James, of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; his daughter, Tshya James Mahon (Eddie) of Shallotte; stepchildren, Becky Gore, Elisabeth G. Bingenheimer, Matthew Gore and Emily Gore; a brother Allen James (Ann); and two grandchildren, Isabelle James and Jakob Mahon.

Tracey was born in Rocky Point, NC to Linwood and Frances Tracey James on May 15, 1941.  He was a proud graduate of North Carolina State University (BS) and Indiana University (MS) and spent most of his life as an athletic trainer and educator. His chosen profession as an athletic trainer gave him the opportunity to travel the country, and he took advantage of that opportunity.  During his career, he worked with the Carolina Cougars, an ABA professional basketball team; Baptist College (Charleston Southern) in Charleston, SC; Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO; University of North Carolina at Wilmington; Summerville High School in Summerville, SC; and West Brunswick High School, Shallotte, NC.  At both West Brunswick and Summerville, Tracey taught many young students in health and physical education as well as agriculture.  He also positively influenced many student-athletes as softball coach, athletic trainer and athletic director.

During the course of his career, Tracey received many accolades for his service including a lifetime achievement award given by the South Carolina Coaches Association for service to the North-South All-Star Game, and he was selected by Eunice Shriver to serve as an athletic trainer for the National Special Olympics.

Tracey was a member of Village Point Methodist Church in Shallotte, NC.  He grew up in the Presbyterian Church and was a former elder at Shallotte Presbyterian Church, USA.

A memorial service for Tracey will be held on Saturday, December 16 at Village Point Methodist Church at 2pm with Rev. Kevin Gore and Rev. Shannon Ross officiating.  Family will receive friends one hour before the service at Village Point Methodist Church, 1392 Village Point Rd., Shallotte, NC 28470. At all other times, the family will receive friends at 1457 Cassidy Ct., Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tracey’s name to Lake Waccamaw Boys & Girls Home, 400 Flemington Dr, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450.