Jack Phillip McCracken

Jack Phillip McCracken, 76, of Williamsport died November 11, 2025, following hospitalization at UPMC. Born in Williamsport on April 29, 1949, he was the son of Jefferson and Irene Tudor McCracken.

Jack never met a stranger. He could not go anywhere in Williamsport without people saying, “Hi Jack.” He loved roaming the mountains and hunting. He was a skillful trout fisherman, but bass was his passion. He was a long-time member of Williamsport Bassmasters, where his name often appeared well up on the club standings page and he introduced kids to bass fishing through club activities and patient lessons along local streams. He had a great artistic talent for making his own and friends’ air brushed fishing lures.

He was a good cook making many family favorites including stuffed cabbage “pigs in the blanket,” the best fried potatoes with onions, and the all-time family favorite chocolate cake with peanut butter icing.

He could build almost anything without a blueprint and engineered a cabin in less than a week with a chainsaw and a crew of friends and family. He was a devoted caregiver, helping his mother whenever she needed it after the untimely death of his father. He was the dedicated and affectionate caregiver of his late wife Mary (Harris) McCracken during her many years with Huntington’s Disease. Mary and he were talented line dancers and members of local line dancing clubs who often entertained at local nursing homes and other venues.

Jack worked at Tetley Tea in maintenance and later at Lycoming Engines where he tested airplane engines.

Jack is survived by three sons Corey, Jeff (Kelsey), and Shawn, a sister, Ann McCracken of Cincinnati and the endless memories and stories family and friends hold in their hearts.

At his direction, there will be no service and his ashes will be interred in the places he loved.

Online condolences may be made on Jack’s memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com.