James Arthur "Jim" Crocker Jr.

One of the goals of James Arthur Crocker, Jr. ("Jim") in recent years was to become a "centenarian." He accomplished that feat on October 19, 2014, surrounded by loving family and friends. Jim loved his birthday parties, and this was a monumental one. Much to the sadness of all who knew him, he died on November 14, 2014, at the age of 100 years and 26 days at his home in Mobile, Alabama, with his wife of 71 years by his side and holding his hand.

Jim was born Oct. 19, 1914 in Water Valley, MS to parents James Arthur and Ethel Sissell Crocker. He was preceded in death by his parents and his only sibling, his sister Annette Crocker Harris, and her son Myles Harris of Jackson, MS. Jim grew up in Water Valley, attended Water Valley High School and Mississippi State University, studying mechanical engineering and engineering drawing. He spoke of painting and wiring his parents' home at the age of 12! Jim went on to work as an engineering draftsman at Waterman Steamship Corporation from 1943 until 1952. He subsequently worked at Mobile Pulley and Machine Works as a Superintendent, then Production Control Manager until he retired in 1980. He traveled to several foreign countries for his company as an advisor on major projects. Jim was an avid reader, always striving to learn and even had several inventions. He loved studying investments and for many years participated in an investment club. As a child Jim was involved in the Boy Scouts and became a Boy Scout leader. He had leadership qualities, which became evident as a member of the Mobile Cosmopolitan Toastmasters Club, in which he was elected President in 1970, and later as the Governor of the District. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Mobile Independent Methodist School. He was very active in the Independent Methodist Church, earning the respect and admiration of many, serving in many capacities. As a teenager he met the girl who became the love of his life, Doris Hamilton of Taylor, Mississippi. After 9 years of dating, they were married on Doris' birthday, June 13, 1943, in Oxford, Mississippi. Jim and Doris moved to Mobile, AL and became the proud parents of two sons, James Arthur Crocker III and Thomas Herbert Crocker.

Jim was a wonderful, supportive family man and will be deeply missed by his survivors: his loving wife Doris, his sons, Jim (and wife Kaye) of Houston, TX, and Tom of Rohnert Park, California; 5 grandchildren: the 3 children of Jim and Kaye, Chris Crocker of Dallas, TX, Kevin Crocker of Austin, TX, Kelly Jeanne Crocker D'Armond of Greenwell Springs, LA, and 7 great-grandchildren, Hudson Crocker, Griffin Crocker, Lily Crocker, Harris Crocker, Carson Crocker, Hunter D'Armond and Benjamin D'Armond; and the 2 children of Tom, being Samantha Crocker and Matthew Crocker of Rohnert Park, California. Other survivors include Sissell cousins (of varying degrees), nieces and nephews Tom Sartor of Oxford, MS, Virginia Lee Hamilton Staten of Oxford, MS, Barbara Sue Pace Harris of Memphis, TN, Jim Hamilton of Taylor MS, and their respective families.

The family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to the loving care-takers of the past few years, especially Penny Farish, Sharon Cutrer and Bonnie Snyder, who have given so unselfishly of their time and attention. Also mentionable are the wonderful neighbors and friends, Dr. Martin Lester and staff, various other doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals who have all attended to Jim over the years.,

A celebration of Jim's life will be held from the chapel of Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street in Mobile on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 2 P.M. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 p.m. until the service hour. Interment will be at Mobile Memorial Gardens in Tillman's Corner. Pallbearers will be grandsons Chris and Kevin Crocker, grandson-in-law Trey D'Armond, and great-grandsons Hunter and Benjamin D'Armond.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606.