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James Croft Obituary

James Dale Croft PAYSON, AZ - James Dale Croft James retired and relocated to Payson, AZ with his wife Carol in 1998. He was born in Greenville, KY. After spending his younger years in Graham, KY, he relocated to northwest Indiana to work at Inland Steel. He lived in that region for his working life before retiring from Amoco Oil (later British Petroleum). He is survived by his wife Carol, two sons, Randall (Paulette) Croft, Hesperia, CA and Dr. Darrell (Maryland) Croft, Germantown, TN. Also survived by four grandchildren, Patrick, Brett, Alden and Weston and dog Sadie. James was an avid hiker and ATV rider in Payson. He embraced the Payson lifestyle and the Tonto National Forest. James and Carol love spending time with their group of Payson friends and he loved his MGD beer. Several international trips and ship cruises are included in James’ and Carol’s experiences. James will be missed by all, but he would tell you, he led a full and satisfying life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times on Sep. 1, 2017.

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4 Entries

September 3, 2017

Good-by CISCO, your friend, Jr.

Ralph Evitts

September 2, 2017

I attended elementary and high school with Jimmy, always looked forward to our high school reunions, hoping Jimmy and Carol would be in attendance . the class of 58 will miss Jimmy.

Chris Waters

September 2, 2017

I had the pleasure of meeting Jim and Carol while working in Payson, and am fortunate to have served Jim his favorite MGD beer. On Sundays I looked forward to him and Carol coming in on their usual night to enjoy dinner and a few drinks, but my shift changed so I was no longer working on the night they came in. After months of not seeing them, a week earlier I switched shifts and picked up a Sunday, and I now feel blessed that I was able to see Jim and Carol together one last time like it was meant to be. I only knew him from working the other side of the bar, but he was a genuine, funny and caring man. He got on my good side by being an Arizona Cardinals fan, so I always had a cold beer waiting for him. He will be missed by the staff at Fargo's Steak House in Payson, but I will always remember him whenever the Cardinals score a touchdown. My wife's and my prayers go out to Carol and the rest of Jim's family, and just know you will be missed.

Frank Matlon

September 1, 2017

I had the pleasure of working with Jim for a number of years. His humility and keen sense of humor always lifted the spirit of everyone he met.
Rest in peace.

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