John Gibson Crossman Sr.

John G. Crossman, who built a long career in finance and investment advisory work and was known to family and friends as a devoted listener, storyteller and student of history, died on Nov. 9, 2025, at his home in Bonita, Calif. He was 89.

He died peacefully, surrounded in his final days by nearly all of his family, who had traveled from across the country to be with him, gathering together in his garden.

Born in New York City on May 5, 1936, Mr. Crossman lived at various times in Litchfield and Ridgefield, Conn.; Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; Chicago; Paradise Valley, Ariz.; and San Diego.

He was educated at St. Bernard’s School in New York City; the Groton School in Groton, Mass. (Class of 1954); Yale University (Class of 1958); and the Stanford Graduate School of Business (Class of 1960). His academic interests included history, English, Latin, economics and statistics.

An enthusiastic athlete in his youth, he boxed at St. Bernard’s, played football at Groton and rowed on championship crews at both Groton and Yale. At Yale, he served as captain of the lightweight crew.

After completing his graduate studies, Mr. Crossman joined General Motors Acceptance Corporation, beginning as a bill collector before moving into roles as a statistician and business forecaster. He later worked at American Express, the Stock Clearing Corporation and Roosevelt & Sons before founding his own NASD-registered brokerage firm, specializing in over-the-counter growth stocks and municipal bonds.

After the firm was acquired, he continued his career at several brokerage houses, writing investment newsletters and advising clients on portfolio construction and retirement planning. He retired more than once, with his final retirement taking hold around 2009.

He married Nancy Anne Royse on September 27, 1962, beginning a loving partnership that lasted until her death in 2003.

In 2005 he met Carol Miller at a Stanford alumni event. They were married on September 6, 2008 at Chula Vista Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Crossman is survived by his wife, Carol; his brother, Patrick; his three children, John, Claire and James; his daughter-in-law, Sha Rose; and four grandchildren, Jessica, Vanessa, Matthew and Hunter. He is also survived by Carol’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who warmly welcomed him into their lives.

A gifted conversationalist, John Crossman was a natural storyteller, drawing on his lifelong interests in history and economics. Just as important to him, however, was learning what excited the people around him — their interests, ambitions and stories. An avid questioner and attentive listener, he delighted in conversation as a shared exchange. His curiosity also fueled a lifelong passion for traveling that extended to all corners of the world.

He was active in Chula Vista Presbyterian Church, serving as an usher, a member of the finance committee and a core participant in a Bible study group that, he was pleased to note, featured particularly good breakfasts.

A memorial service was held at the church on Jan. 17, 2026. The service, which was well attended and is available on the church’s YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/95n0RkUUOLE), included remembrances reflecting the depth of his impact on family, friends and community.