James W. Crellin

1936 - 2017

Crellin, James W. 81, retired director of General Motors' Corporate Communications Staff and a third-generation Detroit newspaperman, died peacefully at his home in Clinton Township Michigan, on November 4th, 2017. Mr. Crellin, who retired in 1995 after 25 years at GM, served as the primary public relations contact between the corporation's top executives and news organizations worldwide. Joining the Corporate news staff in 1970, he ascended GM's ranks to become Director of General Motors Corporate Communications in l995. When he retired from GM, Dave Smith, then editor of Ward's Auto World, wrote: "Crellin was known for his honesty and integrity -- and for his deftness in traversing the thin line between demands from GM's brass and his media contacts." Before joining GM, he had been the labor writer at The Detroit News. While attending Wayne State University he worked his way up from copyboy at the News to City Editor at the Birmingham Eccentric. When he returned to the Detroit News he was appointed Labor writer in 1965. In that position he covered and was on a first-name basis with national labor leaders, including the late UAW President Walter P. Reuther and the late Teamsters President James R. Hoffa. Born September 8, 1936, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, Mr. Crellin lived most of his life in St. Clair Shores and was a Lake Shore High School graduate. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, marrying his high school sweetheart (Jacamina Randazzo) that same year. Throughout his life Mr. Crellin had a passionate appreciation for nature. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time on Lake St. Clair with family and friends. In his youth he competed in the Au Sable river canoe race annually. He was an avid golfer and photographer. He will be most remembered as a loving father and quick witted, loyal friend. Mr. Crellin is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Karen (Joseph) Skandalaris; a son, John M. Crellin; a sister, Mrs. Kathleen (Richard) Deneweth; a brother Christopher (Theresa) ; and a granddaughter, Emma Skandalaris. He was predeceased by his wife Jacamina (Jackie). Memorial visitation Saturday November 18, 2017 2 to 5 p.m. Kaul Funeral Home. 28433 Jefferson St. Clair Shores.