James Jim Croy

James ‘Jim’ Burley Croy went to his Heavenly Home on Saturday, January 31, 2015. He went suddenly and peacefully at his home in Bellingham. Jim was born in Missouri to Everett Croy and Lena ‘Mable’ Bass on February 28, 1928. His family moved to Washington in 1947 where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Fox. Jim and Marilyn were married on October 18, 1949 in Ferndale. They were happily married for 42 years, until her passing in 1991. Jim loved playing his guitar and other instruments, writing songs, singing with his friends, and spending time with his family. He was a self-less and kind hearted man. He touched many lives, some without even knowing. Jim has spent the last 68 years as a member of the Church of Christ and 30 years as a Deacon. Jim retired after working 24 years for the Bellingham School District as a Head Custodian. He loved his job at Geneva Elementary where he cherished the staff and children. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn (1991) and son Jimmy Croy (2013). He is survived by his daughter-in-law Lisa Croy (Jimmy); son Dennis Croy (Pat); daughters Bev Lemley (Paul) and Linda Kirschman (Rick); sister Jean Neilsen; sister-in laws Ardelle Hanowell and Lila Boyer; uncle Ernest Keen; grandsons Skyler Croy (Shelby), Brock Lemley (Kim), Nathan Croy (Kristie), Brian Kirschman (Stephanie); granddaughters Brandy Bloodgood (Jason), Mandy Drake (Eric), Heather Croy, Bailey Lemley; great grandchildren Wyatt, Eli, Cassidy, Micah, Mari, Tyson, Dakota, Haylee, Peyton, Hayden; and numerous other relatives and special friends. As his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren we feel blessed to have had him in our lives and he will be greatly missed. The family will host a Public Visitation from 3:00PM-4:30PM on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at Moles Farewell Tributes, 2465 Lakeway Dr. in Bellingham. A Graveside Service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ferndale at 10:00AM on Friday, February 6, 2015 a reception will follow at Church of Christ, 6300 Portal Way in Ferndale. Memorials may be made to Autism Speaks, please address donations C/O Bailey Lemley (Jim’s granddaughter), 4601 Deming Road, Everson, WA. 98247.

James Jim Croy

February 28, 1928 - January 31, 2015