James Cropsey

Son of the late Wallace and Winifred Cropsey, Jim was born on March 11, 1929 in Nyack, New York. Jim owned and farmed the land, known as Cropsey Farm located in New City, NY. His grandfather Andrew Cropsey had bought this property, which is located in the center of Rockland County, in 1893, when Andrew moved his family to New City from New Utrecht, Brooklyn, New York.

Jim received his undergraduate degree in Agriculture from Cornell University in 1950. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served from 1951-1953 at which point he received an honorable discharge.

Jim started selling his produce from a table at the end of the driveway. Over time this evolved into a produce and garden center across the street from his home on Little Tor Road.

Jim loved his farm which affected the surrounding neighborhoods by creating jobs, and memories to all those who knew him and called him “Mr. Cropsey”.

Jim cared deeply for the Town of Clarkstown and Rockland County. He was a member of the New City Rotary, and the New City Chamber of Commerce where he served for a time as President to both organizations. Jim was also a member of the Rockland County Farm Bureau. He was also an active member of the Historical Society of Rockland County. Jim was a lifelong history buff.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Patricia “Pat” Cropsey, his beloved dog Sammy, and his nurse Annie, who took great care of him in his last years. Sister in law Pamela Guevara and husband Manolo, sister in law Dorothy Sogn and husband John, nephews and nieces Rick Guevara and his wife Laura, Michael Guevara and his wife Dawn, Amanda Knapp and her husband Jason, Andrew Sogn and his wife Genevieve. Jim also had great nephews and nieces Matthew, Jack, Drew, Christopher, Deanna, Emma, Owen, Ethan, and Charlotte.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday July 29, 2023 from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Higgins Funeral Home in New City, NY followed by the burial at Germonds Presbyterian Church Cemetery. All are welcome back to Cropsey Farm after the funeral service at 3:00pm for a celebration of Jim’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Hospice of Rockland.