James Jim Croy
February 28, 1928 - January 31, 2015
- Share:
James Jim Croy
February 28, 1928 - January 31, 2015
Obituary
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.
Graveside Service
- Date & Time: February 6, 2015 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Woodlawn Cemetery
- Location: 5977 Northwest Dr Ferndale, WA 98248 - (Get Directions)
Visitation
- Date & Time: February 4, 2015 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes
- Location: 2465 Lakeway Dr Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) -73-3-0510
4 responses to James Jim Croy
Bob Austin says:
January 31, 2015
I was the principal at Geneva School from 1987 until 2001 and had the pleasure of working with Jim for a number of years. Jim was a wonderful member of our staff, loved by all, respected by all, always thinking of the staff, the parents, and most of all, the children.
Jim was a very giving person. Every December he would cut fresh ivy from his back yard and bring it to school for any staff who might want to use it to decorate their classrooms or their homes. Each Christmas he bought a couple of new books for the school library just because he wanted to make our school a better place.
More than anything, when I think of Jim I think of his time on this earth and how he truly lived it the way his God wanted him to live it. With dignity, with love, and with compassion for all. He was much loved and respected and those of us who can truly call him “friend” feel very blessed to be able to do so.
Jan Nelson says:
January 31, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of a wonderful, lovable and kind man. I have such fond memories of Mr. Croy at Geneva School…my most favorite being when he brought his guitar and his songs and would sing and play for us! Such a gem! Sincerely, Jan Nelson
Jan Frank says:
January 31, 2015
To the family of Jim Croy:I was the librarian at Geneva Elementary School for 23 years, and your dear father, grandpa and great grandpa was our head custodian for most of that time until he retired.
We at Geneva always felt like a big family, and Jim was one of us. We felt so blessed to have Jim as our head custodian! Not only was he meticulous and professional in caring for our building and grounds, but he had a loving and caring relationship with students, staff and parents. Jim was a humble and kind gentleman. He will be missed, especially by his beloved family of whom he was so proud, but also by everyone who knew him. His passing is the world’s loss, but Heaven’s gain! My deepest sympathy to all of you, his family. I am so sorry that I was unable to attend the memorial service on Friday.
Brad and Lyn Keen says:
January 31, 2015
We were so very sorry to hear of Burl’s passing. He was such a kind man and a very special part of the family. He had such a great sense of humor and so full of love. We are so sorry for your loss. We send many Prayers and Love to the entire Family and large amount of friends who were touched by his Life. Love Brad and Lyn