State Sen. Jim Tracy

Jim Tracy, longtime Tennessee State Senator died July 3, 2026, at the age of 69. 

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally honored Tracy for his service to Tennessee. 

"Jim was a devoted public servant and a man of great integrity, faith and unwavering dedication to the people of Tennessee," McNally said. "When I became Speaker of the Senate, I knew immediately Jim would be my Speaker Pro Tempore. I trusted his judgment, respected his leadership and knew he cared deeply about both the institution and the people we served. He was a steady hand, a thoughtful counselor and a loyal friend. Jim Tracy never met a stranger. He had a remarkable gift for making everyone he encountered feel seen, heard, and valued. His warmth, kindness, and genuine concern for others earned him the respect and affection of people from every walk of life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Born in Jackson, James Dolan "Jim" Tracy attended first Freed-Hardeman College and then the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture education. 

He served for six years as a coach and teacher in Georgia, Alabama, and at Columbia Academy in Columbia. He then opened his own Nationwide Insurance agency in Shelbyville, which he operated for more than 20 years, continuing to serve as a high school coach and junior college basketball official. 

He was first elected to the Tennessee State Senate in 2004, serving District 16 from 2005 to 2013 and then District 14 from 2013 to 2017. During his time in the State Senate, he served as Assistant Floor Leader, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, and Speaker Pro Tempore. 

Tracy also sponsored the bill that led to the statewide smoking ban for most indoor public places and workplaces. He was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as Tennessee State Director of USDA Rural Development, a position he held until January 2021.