James Crosby

1946 - 2023

Crosby, James 3/22/1946 - 12/27/2022 Ann Arbor James Charles Crosby, 76, of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed away December 27, 2022 at the University of Michigan Hospital after a lengthy illness. Jim was born March 22, 1946 in Knoxville, Tennessee to Howard G. Crosby and Margaret Sevier Phipps Crosby. He was raised in Battle Creek, Michigan along with his two older brothers. A 1964 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, he then attended the University of Michigan where he earned a BBA and MBA in Finance in 1968 and 1971, respectively. While an undergraduate, Jim joined Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. During his sophomore year he met Deborah Taber, his future wife. They married December 27, 1969. From 1968-1974, Jim served as an avionics specialist in the United States Army Reserve. Jim's banking career began in 1972 at the Ann Arbor Trust Company (later Citizens Bank and Keycorp). From 1985-1995 he was employed at Great Lakes Bancorp (later TCF). What Jim enjoyed most about being a commercial lending officer was being able to help many local businesses get their start and helping them grow. He always wanted to live and work in a college environment and was grateful that he did so in his alma mater town. A volunteer for the Michigan Special Olympics in its early days in the 1970's, Jim served on the Board of Directors as Treasurer and later President. He also served as a District Commissioner of Boy Scouts of America. When the Sunset Brooks Nature Area was acquired by the City of Ann Arbor, he volunteered as the park steward and was instrumental in creating and maintaining its many trails. He also served as a volunteer and lifelong member of the Yankee Air Force and Museum at Willow Run Airport. A talented athlete in his younger days, he later became an avid skier and racquetball player. An amateur photographer, he enjoyed using those skills to document several Special Olympic events, various sporting events, and wildlife. A devoted Michigan Wolverine, Jim thoroughly enjoyed his and Debbie's football season tickets for more than 50 years. They shared many world traveling adventures with great friends Pam and Bernie Stover. Jim's keen interest in Southeast Asia, and especially Vietnam, culminated with his and Bernie's trip in 1992 to Vietnam. They were among the first American civilians to be able to tour the country since the end of the Vietnam War. It was a highlight for Jim. Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Deborah; his brother, Jerry G. Crosby, of San Clemente, California, and nephews, Scott H. Crosby of Goodrich, Michigan; and Collin S. and Blake C. Crosby of San Clemente. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Jeffrey L. Crosby. Jim supported the Delta Gamma Foundation (deltagamma.org) and the Grace Girls orphanage (gracegirlhome.org) in Sri Lanka founded by one of Jim's physicians. Donations may be made in Jim's memory to either or to a charity of choice. There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Muehlig Funeral Chapel