James Coleman Crouch

James C. Crouch (Jim, Jimbo, Uncle Jim, Jimmy, age 65) passed away peacefully on February 21, 2023 at his residence in Solana Beach, California surrounded by his family and after fighting a lengthy battle with Stage IV cancer. Jim was remarkable, or as a high school friend put it, “Jimmy was a great, great, great, great guy!”

He was born in Alabama but spent most of his life in New Jersey (Bernardsville, Basking Ridge, Chester, Mendham) until moving in 2014 to be close to his family in Southern California. His high school years were spent at the Morristown Beard School where he lettered in football, wrestling, and track. He then earned an associate technical degree at Somerset County College and afterwards worked the majority of his career supporting engineering at the Schindler Elevator Corporation (now Westinghouse). This was followed by a second career primarily in security before retiring to California.

One of Jim’s main passions was service, whether it be as the youth group leader at the Hilltop Presbyterian Church (Mendham, NJ) where he was also an elected Deacon, or in countless programs such as building homes with the Rural Community Action Ministry (Maine) and Habitat for Humanity, or setting annual fundraising records as a leader in the local CROP Hunger Walk for the Church World Service. Jim had a passion for working with youth and always looked forward to mentoring and supporting the next generation. Once in California he immediately joined the Lions Club (Encinitas) as an engaged member, including helping to build their local youth Leos group, and he was recently the proud recipient of the Lions Club’s Melwin Jones Fellow award for service. He was also president and ambassador for his residence committee in his senior community.

Most notable about Jim was his endless optimism, faith-based fellowship, and devotion to his family. While never married, he was a caring son and brother, as well as godfather to his niece (Alisha) and nephew (Tyler), and he also remained a lifelong supporter of many of the youth he helped guide in his church and civic activities. He was also an avid movie-goer and could debate the finer points of best Superman remakes and Herbie villains. Jim developed friends and supporters wherever he went, and the family is particularly thankful to all of the medical staff, caregivers, and wonderful friends who supported him throughout his life, especially in his declining years.

He is predeceased by his beloved parents, Jack and Sara Crouch as well as his sister Sally Crouch, who adored him. He is survived by his loving brother and sister-in-law, Taylor and Uschi Goldmann Crouch, their children Tyler and Alisha, his stepfather Richard Chalquist, and his close cousins, Winnie and Keith Lindstam, Lucy and Jim Clyde, and Susan Smith.

Jim was a sweet, funny, humble, and inspiring beacon to all who knew him, and he will be greatly, greatly, greatly, greatly missed.

The Crouch Family