Candler "Choo-Choo" Crim Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father, and grandfather, Candler Crim, Jr. He died peacefully in hospice care at St. Joseph's Hospital on November 22, 2025 at the age of 93.

Candler faced many challenges during his upbringing but was a rare breed of men who excelled academically as well as athletically. Born on December 19, 1931, to Candler and Dorothy Crim in Decatur, Alabama, his father's occupational pursuits led him to relocate frequently to numerous cities throughout the South. Still, he somehow managed to become one of the most academically and athletically talented youths of his era. A straight A student, he was referred to as "The Brain" by many of his classmates. Simultaneous to his academic achievements, he also played quarterback for Decatur High School, selected for the All-American High School Football Team, and a Golden Glove Boxer. Upon graduating from high school, Candler was selected to attend the U.S. Naval Academy where he played numerous sports (mainly to avoid marching drills and square meals) and as a plebe became the Naval Academy Boxing Champion.

After two years at the Naval Academy, Candler transferred to play football under a scholarship at the University of Alabama. It was here that he was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Order and earned his law degree.

Upon graduating, Candler moved to Atlanta with his lifelong best friend, Bill Scroggins. The two of them, along with their cadre of other young professionals greatly enriched the Atlanta social scene for future generations. Their social forays would soon be hampered when Candler's cousin, Anne West Brown, introduced him to her best friend, Jeannie Jordan. Jeannie was (and still is) a strikingly beautiful woman. Many of Candler's friends would remark over the years that he had clearly "outkicked his coverage". In 1965, he somehow convinced her to marry him, sparking an incredible journey that would last over 60 years.

Professionally, Candler was founder or partner of several small law firms. Generous to a fault, and to the frustration of his colleagues, he gave away more legal advice than he ever billed for. In 1987, he and his great friend Harry Bassler would form the firm of Crim and Bassler. For decades it served as one of the state's longest standing insurance legal defense firms until its closing in 2017.

Candler was very active in the legal community, serving as a founding member and past Secretary of the Advocates Club, was actively involved in the Lawyers Club of Atlanta and The Old Warhorse Lawyers' Club. He was admitted to the Georgia and Alabama Bar, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, and argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. He also served on the Marine Corps War College Board for many years.

Candler gave generously of his time to the Northside Youth Organization, laying the foundation for the thriving organization that stands today. He served several years on the board of directors, was "pro-bono" counsel to the organization, and he coached countless numbers of youth. His goals were not only to create great teams, but to build strong character in young men. Many of his family's greatest memories and friends to this day came from the wonderful times and experiences at NYO.

While he was a voracious consumer of newspapers, periodicals, and a crossword wizard, Candler enjoyed the many friendships he had with others more than anything else. He rarely missed a happy hour, whether it be at a legendary seedy dive bar with his buddies, on the back porch at home, or at the seemingly never vacant kitchen bar - happy hour was never limited to a single hour.

He was, by his own admission, incredibly strong-willed. Raising two boys who inherited the same trait, Candler III and David, required frequent application of disciplinary tactics that are unspeakable in these modern times. The boys survived though, and emerged as better men for it, forever grateful for a father who loved them enough to demand the very best from them.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother Dawson Crim; and far too many dear friends whose departures brought him frequent sadness. He is survived by the love of his life, Jeannie Crim; his sons Candler Crim III (Karen) and David Crim (Cristy); and five grandchildren who knew him simply as "Choo-Choo": Karley, Candler IV, Jordan, Jackson and William.

Candler's life was one that was well-lived and to the absolute fullest. He leaves behind him a legacy of love and strength that will always be cherished.

The family wishes to thank the incredibly compassionate and caring staff at St. Joseph's Hospital and Capstone Hospice. A private graveside service will be performed at a later date in his family plot at Oakland Cemetery. Funeral arrangements provided by Sandy Springs Chapel.