James Richard Crowther

James Richard Crowther of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully at his home on June 5, 2024 at the age of 91.  Jim was born on October 30, 1932 in Sioux City, Iowa to Russell Lee and Florence Inez (Doolen) Crowther. He graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology, and was immediately commissioned as an ensign with the U.S. Navy.  He spent two years of active duty in Yokosuka, Japan, where he met the love of his life, Kazuko (Hatsuko) Ishikawa.  They married in Japan in November of 1959.  Their oldest two children were born in Tokyo, Japan, where Jim was employed in communications at Camp Drake (US Army division) and later as a physical geographer at Camp Oji (U.S. Army Map Service.) They moved to the states in 1964 and settled in Phoenix, welcoming two more daughters to their family. Jim worked as a mining engineer with the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. After retiring from the BIA in 1992, Jim enjoyed golfing, attending Men’s Bible studies, reading, and continuing to sing with the Arizona Masterworks Chorale.  Jim had a beautiful tenor voice, often singing at church, with the Chorale and a smaller traveling group, One A-Chord, and at all four of his children’s weddings. 

He loved gathering with family, often commenting on how lucky he was to have such a wonderful family.  He spent years writing down his memoirs, reflecting on the milestones and events he referred to as “uncommon circumstances” in his life that led him to the family he cherished so dearly.  Jim loved the Lord and recognized His hand in all that he had been given, considering himself extremely blessed and wealthy by heaven’s standards.  He was a kind and gentle man (although he was well known for his very dry sense of humor) and served others faithfully and quietly for many years.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Russell Crowther, Jr.  He is survived by his beautiful wife of 64 years, Hatsuko, his four children, Bill (Vicki) Crowther, Susan (David) Roessler, Karen (David) Ziegler, and Melissa (Chris) McGuire, fifteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and his sister Sally (David) Lovig.

Services will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home (4800 E. Indian School Rd, Phoenix) on Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m.  Reception to follow at the Roessler residence.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s name to Elijah’s Cave Ministries or Central Phoenix Young Life.
https://giving.younglife.org/s/?GiftType=Area&MissionUnitId=a2s410000002wCfAAI&ClassCodeId=a2j41000000Nj93AAC&Frequency=One-Time&MissionUnitName=Phoenix%20Central%20Corridor&ClassCodeName=Operating
Elijah’s Cave Ministries, Inc.  Please mail check donations to:525 E. Meadows (c/o the Bells), Gilbert, AZ 85234. 

If you have questions, please contact Melissa at melissa.mcguire75@gmail.com