James "Jimmy" Franklin Crowe

It is with great sadness that the family of James “Jimmy” Franklin Crowe, 85, announces his unexpected passing on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at his home in Bonaire, Georgia.

Born December 2, 1938, in Ben Hill County, Jimmy was the only surviving son of Mildred Cavanaugh and Jesse Lewis Crowe’s seven children. As a child, he and his family moved to Marshallville where he attended elementary and middle school. He was doted on by his mother and older sisters, spending endless hours exploring the outdoors, particularly the local swimming “pool,” and getting into mischief with friends. Jimmy was an expert at marbles, teaching his little sister how to defeat the boys at school only to beat her out of them when she returned home. He was exceptionally talented with a whip and fancied himself the next Lash LaRue. His family moved to Perry, where Jimmy spent his teenage years with lifelong friends Malcolm Crook and Richard Waddell, playing basketball, talking about cars, and driving as fast as they could get away with. He graduated from Perry High School in 1957.

In 1961, Jimmy met the one true love of his life, June Bloodworth of Fort Valley, at a local turkey shoot. They married on February 10, 1963, celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary this year. After settling in Warner Robins, they were blessed with two daughters, Wendy and Ginger. The family enjoyed many summers camping at Lake Tobesofkee and waterskiing every evening as soon as Jimmy returned from work. His daughters consider these some of the happiest days of their lives.

Jimmy graduated from Georgia College in 1974 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and worked at Robins Air Force Base for 39 years before retiring as the systems analyst branch manager in 1997. He spent his retirement managing and working hard but happy days at CBC Farm, which he shared with his father-in-law and brother-in-law. Jimmy served his country in the Georgia National Guard for 10 years. He was a faithful and devoted member of Central Baptist Church in Warner Robins, which he dearly loved, and a respected leader and deacon there for over 50 years.

Quietly dedicated, Jimmy lived his Christian faith in every facet of his life. With a true servant’s heart, he humbly began every day with a morning Bible study and ended each night with prayers. Even those closest to him were in awe of his spiritual commitment, always listening for God’s voice and striving to be a better person. Wise and unflappable, he lived a life surrounded by women, with five sisters and two daughters. He was a constant example and an undemonstrative pillar of integrity for those in his life. Slight of stature but not of strength, he was disciplined and committed to his health, remaining active and busy until his passing. Jimmy was not perfect but fairly close. Hard of hearing throughout his life, he sometimes couldn’t hear, and other times wouldn’t listen. A perfectionist to a fault and considerably stubborn, he felt there was a right way to do everything and getting him to veer from this took a great deal of persuading, often from June.

June was truly the light of his life. He was content to be by her side and enjoyed nothing more than their time traveling together. He was a wonderful, protective, and devoted father to his girls who will continue to strive to be half the person their father was. Jimmy especially treasured every moment spent with his two grandchildren and spoiled them ridiculously.

Jimmy was a lifelong learner and avid reader, completing the Bible many times over and reading multiple books every week. Never boastful or proud, he took every chance possible to learn something new. He loved watching the Braves when they won and the Georgia Bulldogs anytime.

Along with his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his siblings, brother John Lewis Crowe (15 months), sisters Annelle Beavers (Leonard) of Marshallville, Lannelle Law (Armond) of Marshallville, Edwina Hobbs (Paul) of Atlanta, JoAnne Sanders (Robert) of Marshallville, parents-in-law Mr. and Mrs. R.F. Bloodworth of Fort Valley, and brothers-in-law Malcolm Crook of Kathleen and Freddy Klein of Perry.

Jimmy’s memory will be forever treasured by his wife, June, daughters Wendy Anissa Griffin of Warner Robins and Ginger Harper (Keith) of Macon, grandson and namesake James Ryland Griffin (Haley), granddaughter Avery Jans Harper, sister Jackie Klein of Macon, sister-in-law Sara Crook of Kathleen, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

To celebrate Jimmy’s life, a visitation will be held at McCullough Funeral Home on Saturday, September 21 at 1:30 p.m. with a service following at 3:00 p.m. Graveside services will be at Magnolia Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Central Baptist Church Reach Campaign, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.