James R. Croft

Jim Croft 10/4/47 to 10/14/25 A Man With Many Happy Places Jim Croft died in a comfy chair next to the wood stove. He was at his home surrounded by his loving and nurturing family. He slowly transitioned while listening to music, receiving a sound bath, and holding onto some wood he had been carving. His family surrounded him with love as they sang songs, loving him and supporting each other. One of Jim biggest internal conflicts was not having enough time, as this was how he had always felt in his life. It was clear he got as much time as his body would allow and let go without too much resistance. For the whole family, this brought ease to our loss. Jim Croft was born to Donna and George Croft in Kansas City, MO. Jim lost his father in the Korean War at the age of 4. He moved around a lot due to the employment of his stepfather. Jim learned to be very adaptable. His ability to accept other people's differences was a quality he carried throughout his life. He also moved to Guam, where he and his mother attended college simultaneously. In his early 20s, he took a job as a Long Shoreman on a ship and spent time living in Europe. He saw old crafts there, and that was when he dedicated his life to making things that would last. He returned to the States and started bookbinding. He had mentors and educated himself in the Book Arts. Jim wholeheartedly embraced self-sufficiency and the back-to-the-land movement. He found a like-minded companion in Melody Eckroth. Together they made a life, first in Friend, Oregon, and then moved to Santa, Idaho. After moving to Santa, Jim and Melody raised three children, Liana, Nara, and Geo. They homesteaded in the old ways style, creating community and connection. Jim actively taught, coached, and played tennis, volleyball, soccer, and table tennis. He played the trombone his whole life and often liked to play at sunrise for anyone near to hear. He also played with the St. Maries Community Band. Jim became a renowned Master Bookbinder, papermaker, and toolmaker who generously shared how to make a Gothic Medieval book from the ground up using local materials. People came from all over the world to learn at the "Oldways Workshop" that Jim and Melody offered at their home every summer. He and Melody hosted workshops for 35 years, where people would create books and connect with the homestead lifestyle, enriching people's learning experience. Many have said that it was a pivotal experience in their life. Jim would also travel to teach at prestigious institutions such as Penland School of Crafts, Bennet Street, MIT, and many others. He is well known for his bone folders, various book tools, and materials. Jim did not travel lightly. Many times, he drove across the country, collecting various wood and loading it to the ceiling with bookbinding materials. He made friendships wherever he went, as people were often curious to get to know him and spend time with him. At home, you would find Jim working on sawing, cutting, and stacking wood. This leaves the property full of beautifully stacked wood piles and bundles of sticks ready for the cookstove. Jim would also have his tennis gear packed and ready to play with anyone interested. He was always trying to improve his game, showing encouragement and patience for others and only frustration at himself for missing easy shots. He never stopped trying to improve his performance. He was still beating his children this past summer, Liana sometimes, Geo once and Nara never kept score. When Jim was at home, he was a dedicated father to his three children, exceptionally proud and supportive of their interests. Jim loved being a part of his family's lives and would make unique connections with each of his grandchildren. They each felt special and close to him. His surviving children are Liana, Nara, Geo, and grandchildren are Keva and Finly, Arlo, Auvi, Ella, Kennedy, Baleigh, Maxx, Avery, and Vanessa. His surviving sisters are Cindi and Mary. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Donna and Brother, Don. Jim's love for people allowed him to cast a wide net and develop friendships with many people, no matter their differences. To some, he was known as the Book Father or the Johnny Appleseed of Bookbinding. He was recently honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Guild of Book Workers. Jim was able to participate in this honorary event via Zoom from his home during the last week of his life. Jim experienced a life full of gratitude and contentment, living life driven by his own inspirations. Jim loved many things, including the sayings, 'Live the life you love and love the life you live','Hew to the line, let the chips fall where they may' and 'I came to Idaho and cut toward myself'. His family is planning to hold a Makers Gathering in honor of Jim. The Makers Gathering will be this June, and all ages are welcome to come, connect, and make things. If you would like more details, please email brainbodybalance14@gmail