Mr. James M. (Jim) Crowder, age 95, died Friday, December, 6th in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Jim was born in Athens, Tennessee and grew up in Mosheim, Sulphur Springs, and Erwin. Sixth of seven children, he was the son of the late Rev I.G. and Maude Crowder. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by wife Betty S. Crowder, son Paul Crowder, four sisters: Jessie, Juanita, Dorothy, Ruth; one brother, Earl.
Jim was a World War II veteran, serving in Pearl Harbor. Following college at Tennessee Wesleyan, Jim worked at Tennessee Motors then started his own business, Jim Crowder Auto Mart. He branched into camping when he opened Crowder RV Center, which Jim ran until his retirement in 1990.
Jim was a member of First United Methodist Church where he was a member of the choir. Jim was also a member of the Lions Club. He enjoyed our local waterways as a member of the Power Squadron.
Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife Belle Puckett Crowder, son Mark (Polly) Crowder, and son Jeff (Serena) Crowder. Stepsons Jeff (Cecilia) Puckett, Kirby (Mary Ann) Puckett, Tracey Puckett. Sister Isabelle (Jack) Jones. Grandchildren: Daniel, Chelsea (Chris), Thomas (Elizabeth), & Charlotte. Step-grandchildren Julie Ratliff, Jennifer Nederhauser, Caitlin Puckett, Laura Puckett, Meghan Puckett, Brian Puckett and Cassie Puckett. Many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Saturday, December 21, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, Johnson City. Receiving of friends at 1:00, memorial service at 2:00.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Holston United Methodist Home for Children, P.O. Box 188, Greeneville, TN 37744.
Jim was a friend of my late husband, Wayne Scott. I recall Wayne speaking fondly of Jim as to his pleasant personality and good business sense. Our sympathies to your family for your loss.
12/20/2019
Carol Cole Scruggs
To Belle, Mark and Jeff: My mother, Dolores Cole, and I were so very sorry to hear of Jim''s passing. Jim and my father, Ralph Cole, shared a friendship that lasted a lifetime. I have very fond memories of your dad from my childhood, especially trips to Watauga Lake with my family. We send our prayers.
12/19/2019
Betty McGaha Furched
In behalf of the McGaha and Furches families we send our love to all of Jim’s family. Jim was a great man of faith and one who always put others first. I can hear his tenor voice praising God in the FUMC choir. He loved a joke or funny story. Was loyal to his family and his friends. His legacy is genuine just as he was. Love to all.
12/18/2019
Judy Nickell Markwood
Belle, Jeff, Kirby and Tracey,
My father bought me my first car from Mr. Crowder in 1971 for $600. I still live on Woodmont Drive and have fond memories of playing softball and kickball in your backyard. I am so sorry for your loss.
12/18/2019
Craig Campbell
Mr. Crowder could whistle better than anyone I ever knew. A loyal and understanding gentleman at the church of my youth where I later ministered. A delightful and inteeligent friend. Great businessman and devout Christian. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Was so sorry to hear the loss of Mr. Crowder, he was such a good man, always made my family feel welcome at his home. He was always such a blessing to everyone around him, he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
