James M. McCracken Jr. a lifelong Needham resident died at his home on Tuesday July 12, 2005. He was 86 years old. Mr. McCracken summered in Westport Maine, where he enjoyed boating and fishing. A graduate of Northeastern University he received his masters degree from Simmons College of Social Work. He was a World War II, U.S. Navy veteran. For many years, Mr. McCracken was a professor at the Simmons School of Social Work, retiring in 1983. He was a member of the National Association of Social Workers. The beloved husband of Claire (McNally), he was the loving father of Bonnie McCracken of Monson Maine and James M. McCracken III of Needham. Dear grandfather of Christopher and Katie. Funeral services at the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave Needham on Saturday July 16th at 2:30 PM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Interment Needham Cemetery. Memorials in Jim’s memory may be made to the VNA Care Network, 5 Federal St. Danvers MA 01923.