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James Croft Obituary
James Michael Croft passed away Monday, July 20, 2009. He was born April 12, 1959 in Morocco where his father was stationed for military duty in Africa. He was the son of Lt. Col (Ret) William and Mary Croft and the long awaited and much loved little brother of his five older sisters. He had a great love and natural talent for athletics. He spent most of his first 22 years playing baseball, basketball, and football. He was a member of the famous Churchill Charger AAAA State Championship football team of 1976. He was awarded a scholarship to North Texas University in Denton, Texas and played football for the "Mean Green." His parents Bill and Mary Croft spent those wonderful years traveling the country from California to Florida attending every one of their son's games. Upon leaving North Texas University Jimmy focused on his greatest talent "salesmanship". He worked in Land- Management, Land Development, and the Automobile Industry in San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston. He is survived by his mother Mary Agnes Croft, his five older sisters Bonnie Hughes, Marlene Lancaster, Patty Cavallini, Joanne Billingsley and Katie Croft-Walsh, his three children Cody, Savahana,and Spencer and nineteen nieces & nephews. During his life he was a great athlete, a world class salesman, a loyal brother, a colorful entertaining uncle and a devoted and loving son. We loved him and he will be dearly missed. A funeral mass will be held Thursday, July 30th 6:00 PM, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Croft
bee
August 8, 2009
Jim was an amazing man he was my mom's best friend and like an uncle to me. My deepest coldolences to his family who was wonderful. I love you JIM and we will miss you more than you know. xoxo bee
WF Ortiz
August 7, 2009
Jimmy,
I heard this from a friend this week. I want to share our prayers from our family to yours. I remember our times at NTSU on and off the field.
God Bless.
Lisa Mae
August 2, 2009
I loved you from the day I met you and I will love you forever. You gave me the greatest gift, your daughter Savannah and your son Spencer. I am eternally thankful for your love. We could not be together on earth but your heart and love lives on within your children. I know your with us always now and we will be together in heaven. We love you Jimmy, Lisa, Savannah, Spencer and Stephanie
Patricia Parker
July 31, 2009
I’m still in shock to find out that Jimmy has left us so early in life. I attended Eisenhower and Churchill with Jimmy and will always remember him as the gorgeous hunk with a twinkle in his eye and a flirty smile on his face. Jimmy had it all, good looks, intelligence, charm, charisma, talent and he was just a nice guy that everyone liked being around and calling friend. It is a privilege that our lives crossed paths and I could call him a friend. I hold the Croft family in my prayers and thoughts and hope they can find some comfort from the painful void that, we know, only time can slightly dull. God bless!
Bubba Slater
July 31, 2009
Jim croft was one of my best friends.Seldom are you graced with a man with such depth of charater,A huge heart,and grit.If there was every anyone,friend or stranger,that needed help,you can bet jim was the first one in line.I will miss jim with every piece of my broken heart.Jim croft was my friend
Thomas Randol Jungmann
July 31, 2009
Mostly I remember a great smile, inherited charm, physical grace and a caring style. In the trench I took the blocks so Jimmy could go after the ball. It was an honer. God bless you Jimmy. I am
Tom Randol Jungmann
Mary Ellen Cadena Dunlap
July 31, 2009
Jimmy, God bless you and your family.
Dorothy Padillla Hinojosa
July 30, 2009
I attended Eisenhower and Churchill with Jimmy and was one of the many fans that cheered for Jimmy and the other Members of our 1977 State Championship Football Team. Thanks for making our Senior year unforgetable!
My thoughts and Prayers go out to his 3 Children, Mother, Sisters and the entire Family.
NANCY HAYDEN
July 30, 2009
MY PRAYER ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I WAS A FELLOW CHARGER AND REMEMBER JIMMY AT ALL THE GAMES. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Robert Suarez
July 29, 2009
Rest in Peace Jimmy, You will be missed by all of us who knew you. Thank you for being a part of our time at Churchill.
Joey McCarty
July 29, 2009
I grew up down the street from the Croft family , I had high regard for Jimmy. He used to come over and we would talk about cars. I remember him as a great kid, very genuine and down to earth. Condolences to the Croft family. Jimmy will be missed.
Anna Valadez
July 29, 2009
May you find comfort in knowing that your son, brother and father was a great athlete and an even greater friend to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Zene Renfroe
July 29, 2009
Dear Croft Family,
I am very sorry to hear of the news of Jimmy's passing. I was a teammate of Jimmy at North Texas. Jimmy was someone I looked up too, he was a leader on the field and off of the field. I have alot of good memories of the times we had at North Texas which I will cheerish forever. May God bless you and your family.
Carol Jo (Washington) Haschke
July 29, 2009
It was so sad to hear about Jimmy. We were friends through middle school and high school. I always thought of him as a very dear friend. We would run into each other now and then and each time it was such a joy to see him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Tom Parks
July 29, 2009
I also went to school with Jimmy at Eisenhower and Churchill. In all those years I do not think I ever heard him say a bad thing about anyone. Jimmy truly treated people like he wanted to be treated. I crossed paths with Jimmy many years ago when we were both in Houston on business. We decided to go visit a old jazz club I knew about and we ended up closing down the place, talking about family, old times etc. Jimmy was one of the good guys in the world, he may be gone but he will never be forgotten.
Richard "Dicky" Broussard
July 29, 2009
Thank You Jimmy for everlasting memories from a fellow Class of '77 classmate. It has been over 32 years since those historical games that we were privileged to watch such an incredible athlete perform. The most talented team to ever roam the halls and fields at Churchill and that year one of the best teams in THE COUNTRY, was enhanced by Jimmy's presence. I will NEVER forget nor will any member of our class what Jimmy and his band of brothers did for our school. It is still talked about today. We have a special class and we are very honored for Jimmy to have been a big part of that. Thank You Jimmy. God Bless the Crofts. Both of your men are now standing tall together as father and son are now reunited.
#80
July 29, 2009
Jimmy...May you Rest in Peace, Brother.
Your refusal to quit or lose has left a lasting impression.
Laura Holloway-Thompson
July 28, 2009
I was so sad to hear about Jimmy, he was like a big brother to me growing up. The Croft family was like my own. I am praying for the entire family and may your wonderful memories of Jimmy make you smile. Lots of love.
Anabelle Ardid-Parry
July 28, 2009
Jimmy, I lost track of you since High School but I can tell by your picture that your smile never left you. You will be sorely missed.
s.l.b.
July 28, 2009
i love you man !!!!!!!!!
Viola Powell
July 28, 2009
I went to Churchill with Jimmy - class of '77. I remember his smile and kindness and his funny laughter. He will be missed....My God bless your family right now as you go thru this.
Mindy Vrba
July 28, 2009
As i was reading the guest book entries, i realized that I had a huge smile on my face. I met Jim just four years ago and it's obvious that he hadn't changed over the years. In particular, the description of his 'mischievous smirk' instantly brought a vivid picture to mind of our most recent goodbye. I never imagined that it would be the last.
I'm truly grateful to have had the opportunity to know Jim and will miss him terribly. His family will be foremost in my thoughts and prayers as they face the coming months.
July 28, 2009
JUST HEARING YOUR NAME, MAKES ME SMILE. THAT WONT GO AWAY..THANKS MY FRIEND. WITTE
Tami Jarrett Plummer
July 28, 2009
I went to Eisenhower and Churchill with Jimmy and remember him as a wonderful guy with a great smile and a lot of fun. He was a great athlete and someone you would never forget once you met him. I have not seen Jimmy in quite awhile as we have all gone our seperate ways. May the great memories of him provide comfort to his family and friends as we all move forward.
Mark Beaty
July 28, 2009
I remember many hours sweating and bleeding with Jimmy on the football field at North Texas. He had a special gift for putting all those around him in a good humor with smiles on their faces. I also have fond memories of his caring family whom we all loved. An untimely tragic loss. Our prayers are with you all.
Ken Cash
July 28, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss.-We were stationed together in Germany and remember him and his family.--God Bless YOU!---Ken and Marianne Cash, San Antonio, Texas
Don Jones
July 28, 2009
I'm moved by the outstanding remarks of others who posted before me...they resonate deeply with me and I find myself nodding my head in agreement. I also went to junior high and high school with Jimmy, played sports with him, and spent some time with him when he lived with Brett Martin after college. Back then, when we had fewer responsibilities, our friends were our life whereas today other things dictate, dilute and interfere with our relationships. Regardless of how far apart we've grown or how often we see them, when we lose a friend from these more formative and impressionable years we lose a part of our existence and a palpable void remains in its place.
Some people are remembered by buildings or roads that bear their name, others by statues or grandiose monuments. I once contemplated how I would like to be remembered when my time has come. I considered all of the above, but after much thought I became convinced that the most important tribute to my life would be that people would think of me now and then and smile when they did so. This is what will happen with Jimmy, and it will happen often among many people.
Thank you for being a part of my life and making it better, Jimmy. I can only hope I did the same. I'll see you somewhere down the line.
Leigh Glendenning Roberts
July 28, 2009
I met Jimmy while attending TWU in Denton. He was a wonderful, bright, kind caring man with incredible athletic abilities. My heart is with his family at this time of such tremendous loss. May God give your hearts comfort as HE welcomes Jimmy into his Eternal Home.
Frank Babb
July 28, 2009
Jimmy will be greatly missed and is loved by everyone who knew him. His life is a testament to his wonderful parents and his precious family. Our hearts reach out to yours and our prayers will be with you during this difficult time.
Rex Glendenning
July 28, 2009
I met Jimmy upon arrival at NTSU in the late 70's. He was a heck of an athlete, but he also had a great personality and charm that made him special. We lived together briefly after our football career in my hometown of Celina. I'll always consider Jimmy a dear friend and I'll miss him saying "Rex Keith" each time he met me. His parents were the salt of the earth. May God Bless the Croft Family.
Rex Glendenning
NTSU '79
Sheena Springer Fleener
July 28, 2009
I went to Eisenhower, Churchill and North Texas with Jimmy. We grew through many different phases of life together from 6th grade math and science to living in Kerr Hall with all the other athletes at college. Playing volleyball kept me out of town and away from most of the football action in college but I always respected Jimmy for who he was, and he was very clear about who he was! He commanded respect from friends and foes alike while keeping a light hearted and humorous attitude towards life.
Jimmy - I'm sad that you left us so soon and am praying for your family, especially your mom and children, as they walk through the grieving process and learn to do life without you. You will be missed!!!!!
Steve Wells
July 28, 2009
My thougths and prayers go out the Croft family Jimmy and I were roommates for 2 years in college and there were alot of great memories together . I will always remember sorry for your great loss my prayers are with you
My condolences
Steve Wells
Kitty (Luna) Eatherly
July 28, 2009
I"m SO shocked! Jimmy was a great person and I remember him from Churchill as always smiling. He was very down to earth and never arrogant about his talents.
Tami Miller-Randolph
July 28, 2009
I went to high school with Jimmy and will remember him by his contagious smile and sense of humor. He was an amazing athlete and leader.
My prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Pamela VanEmburg Kelley
July 28, 2009
What a shock. Needless to say Jimmy was well known and loved at NTSU and someone that was a person to be remembered for his kindness and friendliness. We can all honor the life of someone very special that will be remembered by so many people that knew him. Our prayers are with his loved ones - rejoice in the life he shared with everyone and realize our blessings each day.
Cyndy Vaughan
July 28, 2009
Will miss a fellow "Charger"
Brian O'Connor
July 28, 2009
I first crossed Jimmie's path the fall of 1970 at Eisenhower Middle School in Football program, as I did many of my life long friends that I still have contact with today. This atheltic journey of long hard workouts and two a days continued for seven years and led to a State Championship football team in 1976. My memory of that team and time was a group of very special guys that made up thier minds way back in Junior High to be somthing special. Each and every team mate had a place on that team and a destiny. We have lost one of our own, our first, and it is a sobering moment. Jimmie was a special guy with allot of friends. We all grew apart over the years but crossed paths occasionally. Each time those events took place the magic was still there. He will be greatly missed, and my sincere condolences go out to his Mother, Sisters, Children, Nieces and Nephews.
Brad Morrison
July 28, 2009
I knew Jimmy in school, and he was the indomitable rascal. The mischievous smirk he often wore turned out to be the touchstone for his infectious sense of humor. I remember in particular a tense scene at a huge high school party where he broke up a fight that could well have turned our revelry into a riot. He stepped between the two potential combatants and their cliques, and when it looked like his diplomacy might fail, he simply asserted, "Hey man, it's me... Croft!"
Everyone laughed without knowing why, and the fight dissolved into camaraderie. One thing Jimmy always had was credibility, sourced by his confidence. He was well known, well liked, and his passing reminds us that even our best and brightest are mortal, as are we all.
You'll be missed because you'll be remembered, Jimmy.
Marsha Shirey Strong
July 28, 2009
I was shocked to hear the news about Jimmy.....I went to North Texas with Jimmy too. Jimmy was always so much fun to be around. One story I'll never forget about Jimmy: Janet, Julie and I call him Charlie on a road trip and we were his angels.....! okay, yes, Charlie's Angels was brand new at the time! God's speed my old friend. My prayer's are with you and those you left too soon. Marsha Shirey Strong
Kay Melvin
July 28, 2009
Jimmy will be missed by many. His smile and his affinity for living life will be remembered with fondness. Thoughts and prayers are with his family as they traverse this difficult time. - K
July 28, 2009
I went to North Texas with Jimmy. I have so many fond memories of Jimmy.He was always so much fun and lived life to the fullest. His family is in my prayers. Sincerely, Darlene Hurmis Morley
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