James R. "Jim" Croy

Dr. James R. “Jim” Croy, 78, of Bentonville passed away Saturday, February 20. He is survived by his loving wife Linda Croy of Bentonville; his son Todd Croy (Deana Valeo) of North Carolina; his daughter Jill Rath (Scott) and grandson Brandon Rath of Texas; as well as his two step daughters Kristin Alford Martin (Ricky) and Becca Alford of Little Rock. In addition, Chris (nephew) and Nancy Bodine along with their son, Zach, played an important part in making Jim feel loved and close to family during his time in Northwest Arkansas. Recently, Shelly (niece) along with her husband Creig Sterrett and Jim’s sister Jean Bodine came to live nearby and provided Jim the opportunity to be close to family through the rest of his wonderful life in Bentonville. He will be remembered as the “Master Storywriter” by his great nieces and nephews for the colorful children’s stories he wrote and shared at their family reunions.

James Ray Croy was born in Sedalia, Missouri on January 16, 1938, to Lester Vernon and Emma Fay Croy and has two surviving and loving sisters Jean Bodine of Bentonville and Pat Whitfield of Missouri. After graduating from Smith-Cotton High School, he proudly served in the Air Force including a tour in Thule Air Base in Greenland. Upon his return from service he met and married Gloria Fischer of Tipton, Missouri (Mother to Todd and Jill) and she preceded him in October, 1998.

In the summer of 1971, Dr. Croy completed his Degree in Chiropractic Medicine and moved his family to Junction City, Kansas. Dr. Croy was an active citizen involved in the local Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Optimist Club, Junction City Rotary, and he served on the Kansas State Board of the Healing Arts, including two years as president. In addition to his many civic activities, he was well known in the local theater community having had major roles in South Pacific, The Music Man, Annie, Man of La Mancha and Pirates of Penzance to name a few. Dr. Croy remained in Junction City until his retirement in the summer of 2000.

Jim relocated to Northwest Arkansas in the summer of 2000. His love of music was carried forward as a member of the Bella Vista Men’s Chorus, and he was a weekly regular with his men’s golf group in Bella Vista. While living in Bella Vista, Jim met Linda Kirby Alford, fell in love, married, and moved to Bentonville. Linda has been a true blessing and a supportive partner during his life.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Bentonville, and Interment with full military honors will be Thursday at 12:00 p.m. within St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery in Tipton, Missouri.

Memorials are suggested to Circle of Life Hospice at Legacy Village, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Arkansas 72762 www.nwacircleoflife.com, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 www.stjude.org Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers. Online condolences may be expressed at www.RollinsFuneral.com.