James B. McCrory

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA- Sunday, February 12, 2012, the Lord saw our beloved husband, dad, and friend fight his last battle. The battle was over and the Lord took him in His loving arms and carried him to his new home to live with Him. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary on Macon Rd. from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. As you shared in his life, we invite you to share in the celebration of his life and home going. The celebration will be Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 3:00 P.M. at Morningside Baptist Church of Columbus, 6065 Morningside Drive. The Rev. Thad Smith, Pastor, Rev. William Beck, Rev. David Long, Rev. Charles Mitchell, Justin Belew, Brent Borden, and Mark Culpepper will lead the celebration and music. Pallbearers include: Tim Watkins, Gregory Ellis, Jeffery Ellis, Nicholas Stanley, Lindsey Mock and Brent Borden. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memory Gardens on St. Mary's Road. JB was born to Eugene and Alice Luby McCrory on 17, April 1930 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He met his southern sweetheart, Vivian Ellis McCrory in August 1951 and they were married 7 April 1951 in Colquitt, Georgia at the Bellview Freewill Baptist Church. JB came to know his Lord in Vietnam and served Him when health permitted at Morningside Baptist Church. He served his country with pride for 23 years in Army Aviation, fixed and rotary wing. His duty stations include Ft. Benning, Japan, Hawaii, Ft. Rucker, Ft. Stewart and two tours in Vietnam. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 2 Clusters, Army Commendations Medal with 2 Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 15 Service Medals, Master Aircrew Wing, Parachute Wings, and Special Forces Tab. Upon retiring from the Army, he opened the McCrory Accounting and Tax office with his daughter Debbie. JB or Pa, will be remembered by many young people. He and his wife spent their life together working with and helping young people in Sunday School, schools, college, Co-ed Explorer, and Boy Scouts where he received Scout Master of the Year and Order of the Arrow. They were Ma and Pa to many they helped with weddings, retreats, and offered guidance to help them in life. Many lessons were taught in love. His wife said no other man would have put up with her and her kids. We thank God for the many memories. JB was preceded in death by his parents and four younger brothers and sisters, two sisters, Marian Lindall, and Jane Watkins, two brothers, John McCrory and Robert McCrory. He is survived by his wife Vivian McCrory, daughter Debbie (Deb) McCrory, a number of nieces and nephews, and many friends and clients. We would like to send a special thank you to so many for all their prayers and acts of kindness during JB's illness and home going. Your acts of kindness are our joy and comfort. Gifts may be made in JB's honor to the Morningside Baptist Church building fund or any other expression of kindness that you desire. Any act of kindness that is shown during his death and illness will be our joy and comfort. Please visit www.shcolumbus.com to express condolences.