The Crocker
Age - N/A
November 28, 2023
The Reverend Dr. James David Crocker (80 years old), went to be with his Lord and Heavenly Father on November 22, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. Born in Gastonia, NC, he was the oldest son of Paul David and Alma Crocker. At the Lord's calling, James lived a life devoted to his Lord and Savior as a Baptist minister. He began his ministry at Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC. From there he moved to Shawnee, OK, where he pastored Konawa Baptist, attended Oklahoma Baptist University, and had two daughters. His family then journeyed to Louisville, KY, where his 3rd daughter was born. The remaining 48 years were spent across NC ministering to sweet families who blessed and loved his family along the way (Midway Baptist - Gastonia; Elah Baptist - Leland; Mt. Pisgah Baptist - Apex; Anson Baptist Association - Wadesboro; Theron Rankin Baptist Association - Hickory; Roberts Chapel Baptist Church - Pendleton). James received his undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees while ministering full-time, raising a family, and working odd jobs as needed - to say he was a hard worker is an understatement. Married to Patricia Louise Roberson Crocker in March 1963, they raised 3 daughters in unconditional love to be strong in their own faith, have steadfast perseverance, and remain humble before the Lord. James came from modest beginnings, but loved to dream; one of those dreams became a reality in earning his private pilot's license. He passed that love of dreaming and accomplishing those dreams to his daughters and grandkids. His dedication to our Lord Jesus Christ was always present and foremost in his life; James would spend dedicated hours in prayer every evening, lifting others up in intentional supplication. James had a way of putting others at ease, even though he often felt uncomfortable in crowds. He loved his family fiercely, enjoyed joking around, and was an avid Carolina Panthers fan. James was preceded in death by his parents (Alma Jane and Paul David) as well as his oldest daughter, Kim Briley. He is survived by his wife, Pat, two daughters, three sons-in-law, and 5 grandchildren. Pam and son-in-law Garren (Emily and Olivia); Cindy and son-in-law Todd (Grace and Will and his wife Georgia); and son-in law Reese Briley (Lindsey). James' family would like to thank Mission Dignity for the unparalleled support provided during James' ministry and retirement. A very special thanks goes to his loving neighbors and close friends who supported and ministered to James's family throughout this journey, including their Wake Forest Baptist Church family, their Roberts Chapel Church family, as well as the remarkable caregivers and Hospice staff who served him. James' homecoming celebration will be at 2:00 PM on December 3, 2023, at Roberts Chapel Baptist Church, in Pendleton, NC. Visitation will be held in the church's fellowship hall immediately following the internment at the Roberts Chapel Baptist Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Roberts Chapel Baptist Church (Pendleton, NC) or the NC Southern Baptist Mission Dignity program, which provides financial support to fellow Southern Baptist ministers during their retirement. Askew Funeral Home, of Jackson, is serving the family.Show more
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