James Puracchio

Jim Puracchio

Age 60 of Campbellsville, Kentucky, and formerly Wilmington, passed away Sunday May 18, 2014.

Born February 11, 1954, James Thomas is a son of Dorothy Puracchio of Wilmington and the late Thomas Puracchio. Jim was an accomplished transmission mechanic, having worked on several professional teams and winning numerous awards throughout his lifetime. He was the owner of Jim's Performance in Campbellsville, but he often felt that his biggest contribution to the sport he loved (drag racing) was in the work he did for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge, which has raised over 2 1/2 million dollars in scholarship money.

Survivors include his wife Betty Puracchio of Campbellsville; his mother Dorothy Puracchio of Wilmington; three children: Damon (Nicole) Puracchio of Channahon, Kyle Puracchio of Coal City and Joe Walkey of California; two brothers: Mark (Sheryl) Puracchio of Wilmington and Tom (Dori) Puracchio of Champaign; one sister: Susan Lockwood of Herscher; five grandchildren, and a host of other extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday May 23, 2014 between the hours of 10:00AM and 6:00PM at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Local memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)