Jim Cradic, born on May 25, 1938, embarked on a distinguished career as an official which, in 2002, culminated in his induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. Commencing in 1967, Cradic's dedication to high school sports spanned over three and a half decades, during which he made significant contributions to football, basketball, baseball, and softball as a TSSAA official. In football, he was recognized for his role in numerous playoff games and was selected to officiate a TSSAA State Championship game, highlighting his expertise and the trust placed in him by the association.

Cradic's influence extended beyond the football field, as he was actively involved in officiating basketball, where he took charge of numerous district, regional, and sub-state games. His umpiring prowess was also evident in baseball and softball, where he officiated at district, region, and state tournaments, showcasing his versatility and commitment to fair play across a variety of sports disciplines.

In addition to his on-field responsibilities, Cradic also took on supervisory roles within the TSSAA. Between 1996 and 1998, he served as the TSSAA Supervisor for both the Tri-Cities Basketball Officials’ Association and the Region One Football Officials’ Association. His commitment to excellence in officiating standards led to his later roles as a Supervisor and Assigning Officer for these associations, positions he held from 1998 onward, ensuring the high quality of officiating within the TSSAA.

Cradic's contributions to sports officiating were recognized with several awards, including the Lawrenceburg Quarterback Club Prep Official of the Year in 1996 and the prestigious A.F. Bridges Award in 2001. Beyond his significant impact in high school sports, Cradic's officiating career also spanned the collegiate level, including football in the Southern Conference and basketball in both the Southern and Ohio Valley Conferences, among others. His involvement in college baseball and in amateur and professional boxing further demonstrates the breadth of his influence in the sports officiating community.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2002
Category: Official