Announcing the 2008 Helias Hall of Fame presented for outstanding achievement and service to Helias High School.

James Rackers '52

James (Jim) L. Rackers is the name you will find next to Helias in a dictionary. Born to Lee and Helen Rackers and brother to Don, Dan, Mary Kay and Cordi, Jim became the voice and face of Helias High School to thousands. He graduated from St. Peter's High School in 1952, and attended Central Missouri State University. He graduated from Lincoln University and received a Master's Degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia. In 1955, Jim married the former Nancy Brettschneider, and they had four children: Dennis, Maureen, John and Tim. Jim's widow, Nancy, is a member of St. Peter's Parish.

Jim was well-known to the entire Jefferson City community. He believed in education, and he believed in a community that supported both public and private education. He was a friend to all, regardless of where they went to school or sent their children to school. Jim began his educational career at Helias when it opened in 1956 as a teacher of religion, social studies, health, driver's education and assistant football and track coach. He served as a coach in numerous capacities before becoming athletic director in 1966-67. Jim's Helias work became administrative in 1967, and the subsequent years made him a virtual legend in Helias history. He became the first lay principal at a Catholic secondary high school in the state of Missouri, and in 1992, he became Helias's first Chief Administrator. He served as the school's longest-serving administrator with 26 years of dedicated service. In retirement, he was the first Director of Development and Executive Director of the Helias Foundation. Jim's additional contributions to the school and community are simply too numerous to list, and any list would not be complete.

In 2006, Jim succumbed to cancer after a courageous battle. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, son John and son Dennis. He was preceded in death by daughter Maureen and son Tim. In October, 2006, Jim was awarded a papal honor, the Benemerenti Cross, in recognition of his life of service to the Catholic Church.

"Jim was one of the finest men I've ever known. It was a pleasure to see him, talk to him, be with him. And he is missed every day."