James Donald Crockett

James was born on November 8, 1933 to Lola and Ernest Crockett in Sperry, Oklahoma.

James is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Sharon Sue Stalsworth and his brother, Roy Eugene Crockett.

James will be incredibly missed by his wife of 58 years, Shirley Nan Crockett and their three children. They include Cynthia Kay Blacklock (Tim) of Corpus Christi, James Donald Crockett, Jr. (Anne) of Houston and Steven Jeffrey Crockett of Corpus Christi. Margaret Elizabeth Costner and Rosalea Battye, his two surviving sisters, will miss him deeply as well.

Papa, as he was known to his grandchildren, leaves behind Patricia Nan Herridge (Jonathan) of Corpus Christi, Julie Ann Lumbrezer (Noah) of Corpus Christi, James Donald Crockett, III of Houston, Melanie Sonia Crockett of Houston and Kimberly Ann Crockett of Corpus Christi.

He also leaves behind two great-grandsons, the apples of his eye, to cherish his memory. They are Hunter James Herridge and Caleb Timothy Herridge, both of Corpus Christi.

He worked for Southwestern Refining until his retirement from Valero Engery Corporation in March of 1999..

James was a scout master for Troop 175 and became an Eagle Scout on April 28, 1950. In June of 1950, he attended the National Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Both his sons became Eagle Scouts, James in 1973 and Steven in 1974. His grandson, James Donald Crockett, III became an Eagle Scout on October 7, 2008. He was so proud when he heard that Hunter, his great-grandson, had joined scouts as well. Months before his passing, he and Hunter went on a trip to Camp Karankawa despite his ailing body.

James was a hard-working, loving, noble, loyal and incredibly dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved going to his ranch and spending time there. Deer hunting was his passion. Nothing could beat a Jeep ride around the ranch with Papa or a juicy steak fresh off the pit. His pan-fried potatoes were the world's best.

The family would like to thank M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Christus Shoreline Nueces Unit and Dr. Mark Geneser for their continued and unwavering care and support during this difficult time.

A Memorial service will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home on Friday, April 15, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Services will conclude in the chapel.

Condolences can be made at memorygardensfuneralhome.com

Psalms 30:5 Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.