James Thomas Crone, Sr.

James Thomas Crone, Sr.

October 4, 1947- October 9, 2020 (73 years old) 

Affectionately known to everyone as Jim. He lost his two year fight against cancer, but won the battle! On October 9, 2020 surrounded by his family, he traded his earthly home for eternal joy, peace, and his complete healing.  Jim was a man of honor, serving and protecting his country in the United States Army, serving in Vietnam.  He was an active member of the VFW Post 49. He went from serving and protecting his country to protecting and serving his community. He worked for  30 years in law enforcement with MCSO.   To know him was to love him. He had a knack for always including people and making you feel loved. From simple texts, phone calls, an unexpected gift, or visits he always made you feel special.  To him, living meant willful, cheerful, intentional giving to others and doing for others. He was instrumental in helping to develop a community park for children and youth to enjoy. He spent endless hours volunteering, coaching, and serving because of his love and passion for his community. He loved to help others, often contributing to charities, organizing fundraisers, volunteering, or spending countless hours booking the  perfect vacation for someone. He loved everything about Alabama Crimson Tide football and taught all of his grandchildren to say, “Roll Tide.”  He had the “gift of gab,” could light up any room with his big personality, gave the most warming hugs, and had the biggest, caring heart.  Jim loved to cook, eat, and feed others. This was one of the ways he expressed love. He loved fiercely! He loved and adored his wife of 38 years, Veronica. They enjoyed cruising, fishing, sunsets at Dauphin Island, and so much more. His moral insight and strength of character will live on for a very long time inside of his four children whom he loved dearly. He loved his family unconditionally and always wanted them near.  His friends were near and dear to his heart, often thought of as “extended family.” He made new friends everywhere he went. He never met a stranger. He found friendships in store clerks, the local meat cutter, waiters, waitresses, or just a random strangers in the grocery store line. Often sharing recipes and his love for all things patriotic, he made a mark on your life that you could never forget. He may have lost the fight, but he definitely won the battle. His legacy will never be forgotten, the memories are scattered throughout the minds of every life he touched, and now he rests peacefully in the arms of Jesus. Preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Cecil Crone. One brother, Sonny Crone. His mother in-law and father in-law, A.G. and Barbara Booker.He is survived by his wife, Veronica Crone. Four children, Thomas (Jessica) Crone , Bryan (Lisa) Crone, Ashley (Mitch) Sheffield, Tamara (Ronnie) Brown.Grandchildren, Carleigh (Corley) Soutullo, Presley Smith, Makenna Crone, Harley Smith, Amaya Crone, Lance Dees, Ava Crone, Ellis Smith, Matea Smith, Ashton Crone, and Sophia Brown. Great Grandchildren, Graceigh, Grayson, and Rosie Kate Soutullo.   Sisters, Nancy Ford and Carol Bullard, Two very special friends who were more like family than friends, Jeff and Kim Ullrich.  A host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Corinthians 5:10

 For we know if the earthly tent (body) we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a new house in heaven, not built by human hands. 

The arrangements for our “Jim,” “PawPaw,” “Sarge,” “Lil brother,”  “Coach,”  are as follows; 

Visitation will be held at Valhalla Funeral Home on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020, 5-7PM

Funeral service will be held THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020, 1PM at Valhalla Funeral Home, and internment will be at The Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort located at 34904 Al-225 Spanish Fort, Alabama 36577

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation to one of the following:

American Cancer Society 

Aubreigh’s Army Fight Against Cancer

Alabama Youth football Association 

A special thanks to his nurse Letitia Archie, whom he loved and thought the world of. Our words will never be enough to thank you for all that you did.

Thank you to Dr. Beeker and Tracey at Mobile Infirmary Cancer Center, you made an unbearable journey a little easier. 

From his children to Veronica, thank you for your selfless love committing to serve, honor, cherish and care for our father. He loved you more than the air he breathed and you made him happy every day of his life. You will forever be our “nina,” “nana,” “VC,” and we will never forget that the two of you united with “Dee and Doe.”