James Crook, Jr.

Waynesville, Dr. James R. Crook, Jr., age 83, passed away on June 11, 2011 at the John F. Keever Solace Center in Asheville, NC. Born on April 26, 1928 in Jacksonville, Florida, he was the son of the late James R. Crook, Sr. and Lena Ballow Crook. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Anne Lyon Crook; a daughter, Julia Crook; a sister, Lucy Lyle; and grandmother, Adelia Crook. Jimmie, as he was affectionately called, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College at Duke University; his Masters of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School; and Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew University. He served as past president of the Duke Divinity School's National Alumni Council. Jimmie was an active clergy member of the Florida Methodist Conference for 43 years. His first appointment was Glynlea Methodist Church in Jacksonville, where he literally helped lay the bricks during its construction. Jimmie went on to serve at Wagg Memorial Methodist Church in West Palm Beach; First United Methodist Church, Dade City; First United Methodist Church, Cocoa Beach; First United Methodist Church, Naples; Saint Paul's United Methodist Church in Tallahassee; District Superintendent in the Melbourne District; and Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville. After retirement, he was appointed as interim pastor at Cason United Methodist Church in Delray Beach. When Jimmie retired from active ministry, he and his wife, Jean, moved to Waynesville, NC in January of 1996. He joined the staff of The Foundation for Evangelism located at Lake Junaluska. He served as Resident Staff Minister for the next nine years. Jimmie was always very giving to family, charities, and others in need of help. In 2001, he raised money for a young Chinese girl to have much needed facial reconstructive surgery. Among the hundreds of contacts sent for help, he was the only one to respond with financial assistance. He is survived by his wife, Jean; sons, Steve and David Crook; daughters, Elizabeth Wendell, Jana Bartleson, and Carla Hanks; sister; Alice Blackburn; and ten grandchildren, Blaze, Jenny, James, and Billy Crook, Lauren and Landon Wendell, Kaden Lobato, Lily Bartleson, and Stacey and Randy Barrow. Jimmie was devoted to God, his family, the community, and the church. He was kind, loving, and a gentle gentleman. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville with Reverend Sanford L. "Sandy" Giles officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Waynesville, P.O. Box 838, Waynesville, NC 28786 or charity of your choice. Wells Funeral Homes, Inc. and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

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