Tim Dennis McCracken

A wonderful man, Tim Dennis McCracken, age 73, passed from this life to eternity on August 5th, 2026. He courageously battled cancer until it was clear his only healing would be the ultimate kind.

Tim was a faithful, loving husband and dedicated father and a loyal and true friend. Since his passing, many people have reached out, especially neighbors and co-workers, who he helped in times of need. He was well liked and known for his non-judgmental nature and good humor. It was clear he had learned to put first things first and to live and let live. He loved well and was deeply loved by those who knew him best.

Tim was born Oct. 16th, 1952, in Wolf Point, MT, to William Burton “Bill” McCracken and Hope Elizabeth (Casey) McCracken and grew up there, as well as Cheyenne, WY, and finally Albuquerque, NM.

In Albuquerque, he played football (a sport he enjoyed since age 3 or 4) and graduated from Sandia High School. He then attended the University of New Mexico, primarily studying history, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree.

Tim was intelligent and always had a great work ethic, doing well both in business and physical labor. At age 21, he was the youngest manager of a Napa Auto Parts store. Later, he travelled the country “pounding nails” (framing structures), including the Motel 6 in West Topeka. He managed property in NYC for a few years and had interesting stories about his time there, reminiscing about the people, culture, and cuisine.

He arrived back in Topeka just before a severe ice storm, became friends with an older gentleman (his future father-in-law) who needed help renovating rental properties. He became a trusted employee and friend of the family. That was how he met Virginia “Gini” Annetta (McCall) McCracken (when asked how they met, he would jokingly begin, “it was a dark and rainy night” … before the actual story was told).

They were married a year later on July 20th, 1985.

Tim then worked at JF Glenn Inc. and then Century Office Products, Inc., where he was awarded employee of the year the same year his son, Joseph Jasper McCracken, was born. Six years later, another blessing, a daughter, Charity Hope (McCracken) Quiñonez, was born.

After about 15 years of marriage, Tim proposed to Gini again, and their marriage was blessed in a ceremony at Sacred Heart in Atchison, KS.

From the time Charity was a toddler to age 9, he worked from home, caring for her and developing his own rental business in Atchison, KS. He returned to Topeka so that Gini could help care for her elderly parents, selling the rentals and taking what would be his last new work venture, working as a federal employee at the Regional Submission and Processing Center in Kansas City, MO, where he made friends easily.

In 2021, he stepped into a new role as "Gramps" with the arrival of his grandson, Silas Joseph Quiñonez. In the hospital near his final days, he was asked his favorite thing to do, and he answered, playing with his grandson. He was a fun and loving grandfather who purchased too many race cars and always made his grandson laugh.

Tim spent his last days on earth at home, enjoying the company of family members, friends, and his pets and making arrangements for those he loved. On the day of his passing, he received his last rites with the priest of St. Matthew Catholic Church. Although he was a peaceful man in general, he was clearly at peace after that visit and even promised his spirit would return to “pick up” Gini at her time.

Tim is survived by his wife, Virginia Annetta “Gini” McCall-McCracken of Topeka, KS; his son, Joseph Jasper McCracken of Overland Park, KS; his daughter, Charity Hope Quiñonez, and grandson, Silas Joseph Quiñonez, both of Nashville, TN; as well as his brother, Kurt (Julie) McCracken, and close lifelong friends, Terrence “Terry” (Rhonda) Joseph Papen.

He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harry and Lily Casey; his parents, Bill and Hope McCracken; and his sister, Mary (Charles) Ingram.

While Tim requested for no service to be held, the family will hold time to remember and celebrate him in mid-October.

Tim enjoyed reading throughout his life and passed on this love to his children and grandchild. A Little Free Library will be dedicated to his memory in Nashville, TN.

Some of his favorite charities were St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Easter Seals, Compassion International, and Disabled American Veterans/Paralyzed Veterans.

The family thanks you for your kind actions, words, thoughts, and prayers.