SHELBYVILLE, TN (WGNS) - Sunshine, stories, and a stiff breeze all played a part Tuesday (9/8/2026) morning as Bedford County paused to honor a man who spent his life connecting people.

Bridge Named for Jim Tracy The Walking Horse and Eastern Railroad overpass on the State Route 437 bypass now carries the name of the late State Senator Jim Tracy, a statesman remembered for his energy, kindness, and relentless drive to make life better for the communities he served. The ceremony drew friends, colleagues, and local leaders—each with their own story about Tracy’s impact.

Sen. Reeves Honors his friend State Sen. Shane Reeves of Murfreesboro spoke about Tracy’s deep devotion to Tennessee. In fact, he once served as Tracy’s campaign treasurer and described him as a “natural connector”—someone who built bridges between people long before he ever built one over railroad tracks. “He was just a natural connector,” Reeves said, noting how appropriate it was that a bridge now bears Tracy’s name.

A Sign Unveiled… by the Wind The event was supposed to end with the official unveiling of the new sign, but nature beat everyone to it. At some point during the ceremony, the black cloth blew off on its own. Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration CEO Warren Wells laughed, calling it perfectly fitting. “If you knew Jim, you knew he had no patience,” Wells said, drawing warm smiles from the crowd.

Why This Bridge Matters The overpass itself exists because Tracy insisted on it. Early plans called for a ground‑level railroad crossing, forcing traffic to stop for trains. Tracy pushed hard for state and federal funding to build a safer, elevated structure—one that kept both cars and trains moving. “If you knew Jim,” said new Bedford County Mayor Curt Cobb, “he was a lot like a train.” Cobb credited Tracy’s persistence and momentum for getting the project done. Wells added that naming the bridge was actually Cobb’s idea.

A Legacy of Service Tracy represented the region from 2005 to 2017, chaired the Senate Transportation Committee, and later served as Tennessee Director for Rural Development with the USDA. Many at the ceremony shared how Tracy encouraged them into public service—sometimes with gentle nudges, sometimes with persistent phone calls. Ramsey summed it up simply: “He was my best friend.” Wells followed with a line that drew nods all around: “Jim was everybody’s best friend.”

A fitting tribute for a man who spent his life building connections—and now has a bridge to prove it. 

THANK YOU Jim Tracy!