Dr. C was my band director at USF.  I felt lost in the crowd in the music department, and somehow Dr. C noticed me more than I realized.  He invited me to play trumpet in his church on Sunday morning.  I was so stunned that regarded me that highly that I have never forgotten him.  When I pursued my own teaching career, he impacted me greatly.  Many thanks to Dr. Croft.

A kind man and respected educator.  Thank you for your music, and for your impact upon so many musicians.

My Dear Friend Nancy and Family...I am saddened by the loss of your dad.  My dad passed away this past April. I am with you in sorrow and friendship. <3

I was solo clarinetist in mr. Croft's first band when he came to Oshkosh high school in 1953.  He was a great mentor and friend to me.  He inspired me to major in music at the Lawrence conservatory .  I have always been grateful for his help and inspiration.  Thanks Mr. Croft.
Helen Grosnick Kiesow

This week I attended my granddaughter's Christmas Prism Program at Eau Gallie High School in Melbourne, FL. (What an extravaganza!) I saw that the concert was dedicated to Dr. James Croft.  I wondered if this is the same Dr. Croft I knew and he is!  Music has been an important part of my life since I was 12 years old. Dr. Croft taught a Music Appreciation class in 1956 or 1957 at Oshkosh High. He had a deep passion for instilling the love of music in everyone he touched. I continued on to have my own band, play the accordion professionally, and work as a musician for several years. I will be forever grateful to him, and people like him, who influence our young to become enriched through music.
Ronald Smith Melbourne,FL/Oshkosh, WI

Such a great light he brought to those who were blessed to know him.  His  memory will live in our hearts until we meet again.

When I was in 9th grade, Dr. Croft conducted the Florida All-State Band I played in. He was one of the people who inspired me to go on to study music. I will always be thankful for his encouragement and his ability to coax pure expression out of  teenagers.  
Elizabeth Marschner-Schierling in Germany

I played in the Oshkosh High School orchestra under Dr. Croft, graduating in 1972. I am thankful for his influence in my life, inspiring me to pursue a career as a string teacher and orchestra director.  My sympathies to his family and friends.

I was one of Dr. Croft's students from 1970 to 1972.  I can still hear his voice, as though I had only left rehearsal yesterday, and it's been more than 40 years.  I thank him for his lasting contribution to my arts education.  My condolences to his family.

I was a member of the band at Oshkosh High School 1960-1963.  Mr. Croft inspired my best efforts while developing my life-long appreciation for music.  Fond memories include our many band concerts as well as a band trip to Traer, Iowa and the Tall Corn Festival at Iowa State.  My sympathies to his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.

Dr. Croft was a major influence in my musical life.  Thomas A. Guenther, Sr., Percussionist, Oshkosh High School Concert Band, 1967, 1968, 1969. "Drummers should be felt, not heard" - J. Croft

Jim and Di were such wonderful neighbors. When my husband was dying, Jim was always available to help in any way that he could.  I shall never forget his kindness.  He really knew the true meaning of being a neighbor.

You inspired so many to be the best they could be...in every way.  We loved you, Mr. Croft.

Mr. Croft was my high school band teacher at Oshkosh 1963-1966.  He was much loved and so very much fun.  I will always remember what a loving teacher he was.  The heavenly music is now greatly improved.  God bless you, Mr. Croft.  Prayers to his family.

I feel truly blessed to have known Dr Croft and played in the Big Bend Community Orchestra for 3 years under his direction.  It is not hard to see how he has so many admiring friends and colleges. He will be greatly missed by many. My condolences to his loving family.

You knew him as Dr. Croft or Jim. I knew him as Dad. Fifty six years, my  best man, my first horn teacher. So many wonderful memories.

I was so sad to hear of Dr. Croft's death.  I can't say that I have ever met a more humble, authentic, genuine individual.  He was a gentleman in every sense, and his love and devotion to his wife and family were palpable in every interaction.  Having a 
conversation with him meant that he was totally focused on talking to you and listening to you; an art and a rare gift in contemporary society. The legion of lives he touched through his talent, his kindness, and his joyful living? Graced beyond measure.

Di, Nancy, and Tim,
I am so sorry for your loss. I'm remembering his laugh!

Students and teachers who had the opportunity to work with Jim realize what he had to offer.  As a first year teacher in Oshkosh, Jim was a tremendous help in giving me my start.  Verna and I enjoyed a special relationship with his family for the last 54 years.

Hi Ms.Di it is beverly i took care of you when u hurt your hip i am so sorry to here about Jim but i want you to know my thoughts are with you and your family Love you Ms.Di.

James Croft was one of the very best humans I had ever met. His mentorship was provided with the greatest concern for each individual. In my case, he was as much like a father as a mentor. I pray that the Diana, Tim and Nancy and the rest of that exceptional family experiences the oft requested peace (and comfort) that exceeds all understanding. 

With love and gratitude,
John and Alisa Carmichael

Dear Mrs. Croft, Tim, and Nancy and Family,
   What an inspiration Dr. Croft was to so many students, colleagues, and audiences!  I will immensely miss our September 15 conversations!

Dear Di, Nancy and Tim,
I have fond memories of your dad and your entire family.  My prayers are with you at this very sad time.  Love,  Lynelle Weisz (Lalk)

I took private oboe lessons from Dr Croft.  He taught me so much that I don't know why I didn't continue playing.  His love for music was undying.  I'd come over for a lesson and he'd say, did you get a chance to practice and you know I didn't but said yes anyway and he could always tell.  He'd say, I thought you practiced.  I also believe that he had my brother Bruce in band and I know that he had the deepest respect for Dr Croft.  I will surely notify him of this.  My thoughts and prayers will be with you at this time.

I can't begin to express what Jim meant to me and my family during the 50's and 60's.  Because of him, I spent 35 years teaching music.  He'll always have a special place in my heart. My sympathy is sent to you, Diana, and your children.

Prayers for the family at this time.  Dr. Croft was treasured because he treated everyone like a treasure.  He was always in the moment with whomever we was speaking.

Dr. Croft was truly an inspiring man.  As a student in the early 1990's, I remember a man who could direct a Sousa march like no other, was always approachable, demanding, and caring.  His stories from Oshkosh were great.  He will be greatly missed.  He touched the lives of so many.  I am honored and proud to say that I played bassoon in his bands, and also and antique Sarrusaphone on occasion.

Thank you, Dr. Croft.  You were an inspiration.

Jim Croft touched the lives of thousands of musicians over the course of career.  I remember him in the early stages of his career when he was director of bands at Oshkosh High School in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  I was attending the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh at the time and I remember attending many of his concerts and watching him conduct this wonderful high school band which he had literally transformed through his genius.  When my career took off as a composer, I was blessed to have Jim as a supporter of my music.  He will be greatly missed!

Thank you for your standard of excellence and passion for music. Your dedication and love for music will live in our hearts forever.

Thank you for being such an inspirational teacher and wonderful person. You've touched so many lives and the stories will live on for decades - our thoughts are with your family, and also the countless students and colleagues who were fortunate enough to cross paths with you. RIP Dr Croft!

I lived in the music department during my years at Oshkosh High.  Jim (it bothers me to call him by his first name but he was such a good friend in addition to being a great teacher) never accepted anything but a 110% effort.  Many of us came from that program to teach music to children and his inspiration blossomed.  Jim will be missed so much but no one could ever take away what he meant to those of us who were fortunate enough to have him as our teacher.

Jim will be missed by his many friends in Australia. His visits here were always greeted with much enthusiasm and anticipation. Such a warm and generous man of music. Our thoughts are with Di and family.

Always a musical inspiration to us in the band world! I know a kind and caring man that will be missed!

Dear Dr. Croft,  you meant so very much to me!  Rest in Peace great man.  Bob O'Lary

As a student of Dr. Croft's in the late 80s, I know the world will miss such an inspiring band director and teacher.  Praying for comfort for your family.

Your impact on music in the Oshkosh community continues to resonate 40 years later. You taught, encouraged, and challenged a generation of students to value and perform great music. Thank you.

Enjoyesd our days together with you and your wife and the wonderful trip to Detroit with the band and Jack Jarrett.
Ken & Luella Biendarra-Oshkosh

We could ALWAYS follow your downbeat!  What a wonderful human being.   We will miss you.

Dr. Croft, thank you for sharing your amazing musical talents with the world.  We are all better off for having known you.  The students you worked with on your last trip to Oshkosh in 2009 have been touched forever and still talk about you as someone who greatly impacted their lives.  You have also taught and inspired me to become a better musician.  Thank you!

Dan Singer
Oshkosh West HS Band Director

Rest in peace, Dr. Croft, from one of your last brass players at Oshkosh High School in 1971-72. We are all better people because of you.
Randy Zentner
former Vocal Music Director,
Oshkosh North High School
6-12 Vocal Music Coordinator,
Oshkosh Area School District

May God Bless Mrs. Croft, Tim and Nancy as you mourn the loss of a husband and father, and a man whose talents, dedication and thirst for excellence inspired so many. There are so many fond memories from the Oshkosh days, and I owe so much to the mentorship and leadership Dr. Croft provided me in the formative years. He leaves a legacy of remarkable achievement that has guided myself and countless others over his long and distinguished career. With deep respect and admiration...
Prayerfully, Dan Radley

Thank-you for many musical experiences as a high school and college student. I will never forget you.

Thank you for all that you have done for us all. You will always be cherished, respected,loved and admired, by all of us, YOUR STUDENTS. May God Bless your entire family and I look forward to the heavenly occasion of playing in your band again one day.Keep a spot open for me.
Your Oshkosh West Drum major, class of 1970 Steve Verhoeven

OBITUARY

James E. Croft

15 September, 1929 – 6 September, 2012

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home

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