James E. Crosby

It is with profound sadness that the family of James (Jim) Edward Crosby announce his passing on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the age of 90. Jim was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years Nancy Ellen Crosby, just 17 days earlier- a true testament to their love story. James was born in 1933 in Wakefield, Massachusetts to James Edward and Margaret Crosby and was raised in Wakefield, MA with his sister Jean Crosby Awiszus. Jim leaves behind a heartbroken family; his children Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Crosby, Lisa Crosby Bonner (Paul Hebert), Michael Crosby (Laura), Karen Jarmoc, and Christopher Crosby (Heather); and his grandchildren, Carolyn (Tom) Lavin, Kevin (Amanda) Crosby, Catherine Crosby, David Crosby, Owen Jarmoc, Grace Jarmoc, Celia Jarmoc, Kinser Bonner, James Bonner, Walter Crosby, Otis Crosby, Adelaide Crosby and great-grandson, Michael Patrick Crosby. He was predeceased by his sister Jean. Jim was an accomplished businessman, avid golfer, shrewd card player and die-hard Boston sports fan. He attended St. John Seminary in Brighton, MA, and Boston College Business School. During his business career, he worked for Lederle Laboratories and Atlantic Cement Company. Jim was a founding partner of Personalized Insurance Agency in East Longmeadow, MA. He was proud to service clients and helped countless families throughout the Western Mass area. The golf course was Jim’s domain and happy place. He taught his family how to play golf and to respect the game. He was known to generously share “tips” on how to improve to unsuspecting players on any and all practice ranges. His family has countless memories of watching him play, caddying for him and playing alongside him. Jim was a member of Springfield, Twin Hills, and Suffield Country Clubs in the area and Miles Grant Country Club in Stuart, Florida. Jim also served Miles Grant Club President and truly enjoyed rating golf courses throughout Massachusetts.Jim’s proudest achievement and true joy was raising his family with Nancy in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Although often chaotic, their home was filled with unconditional love. Jim passed on his passion for Boston sports teams to his children and grandchildren, and was always in the stands, bleachers or sidelines coaching, or cheering them on at their athletic events. He served as the President of the Longmeadow Little League Baseball Association and was an IAABO certified basketball referee. Jim was a strict adherent to the “principal of verticality.”His family would like to express their sincere gratitude to his caregivers from The Key Association and Beacon Hospice. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at St. Mary’s Church, 519 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Longmeadow Little League Baseball Association, PO Box 61181, Longmeadow, MA 01106 and St. Mary’s Church, 519 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, East Longmeadow is entrusted with arrangements www.forastiere.com