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James Crowley

November 23, 2013
Grand Rapids, MI

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CROWLEY, JAMES PETER James Peter Crowley, 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 23rd, 2013 following a long illness. He is survived by his four children: Patrick Crowley, Janice (Michael) Gwasdacus, Barbara (Crowley) Zingg, and Sharon Crowley; four grandchildren: Audrey Zingg, Andrew Zingg, Jeffrey Gwasdacus, and Sophie Gwasdacus; and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his wife Nancy (Gless) Crowley and his daughter Anne Crowley. Known as "Jim," "Pete," "Uncle Pete," and of course "Dad" and "Grandpa," James grew up in Western Michigan. He graduated from Holland High School. He enlisted in the US Navy at the end of World War II and served in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Thanks to his military service, he also attended college and graduated with a BS in mathematics from the University of Michigan. He was called back to active duty and served again during the Korean Conflict. He witnessed the first Hydrogen Bomb detonation (code name "Ivy Mike") at Enewetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands, on November 1, 1952. Later in his life, he enjoyed meeting up with his former shipmates at the annual USS Radford reunions. For most of his adult life, James worked at Lake Michigan Mortgage, where he was considered an expert underwriter. However, it was his hobbies that brought him the most satisfaction. He was an accomplished photographer, woodworker, and metalworker who built furniture (including the altar furniture still in use at St. John Vianney Catholic Church), clocks, and working scale models of various steam engine vehicles. He also enjoyed woodcarving and making toys for his grandchildren. During his retirement, he volunteered his time in the Parish Office at St. John Vianney and also did a number of building projects for parishioners in need. He had one of the best-outfitted home workshops around. He was known by all of his neighbors as the guy who could fix anything, and who would happily fire up the air compressor in the garage to fill your bike tires. He categorically refused payment for fixing or building anything because, as he always said, "Doing my hobbies for money would take all the fun out of it." The roles that James valued the most, though, were those involving family. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and uncle. He was generous with his time, love, philosophical/spiritual guidance, and expert advice. He loved showing all of us how to do things on our own so that we could be more independent, but he was always there to offer comfort-along with a story and his characteristic wry sense of humor-when things didn't go as planned. It goes without saying that he will be mourned and missed by all who knew him. The family will receive visitors from 6-8pm on Friday, November 29th, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf, 4301 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am Saturday, November 30th, at St. John Vianney Church, 4101 Clyde Park SW with Fr. Mike Alber presiding. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staff at OakCrest Kentwood for their loving care of James. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Alzheimer's Association Greater Michigan Chapter, 25200 Telegraph Rd, Ste 100, Southfield, MI 48033. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.