James Norman Crouch Jr.

James was born to James Norman, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Crouch (Berzett) in a small Texas town named Leonard located in Fannin County. The Crouch Family moved from Leonard to Hughes Springs to Greenville (for the birth of his brother Robert in 1942) and then on to Gladewater in 1949. It was there, James made everlasting memories and met the love of his life Sue Jean Simmons.

James and Sue Jean attended Gladewater High School and became lifelong Gladewater Bears. James played football, basketball and ran track. He and his brother Robert (Bob) were standout athletes and made the most of their high school experiences in Gladewater. Even though James and Sue Jean went on to have two children as well as garnering impressive educational and career achievements, both considered Gladewater and its people to be one of the most significantly important parts of their lives.

James and Sue Jean married in 1961 while James finished his bachelor’s degree at Texas A & M University. He later attended Southern Methodist University (SMU) to earn both his master’s and PhD degrees. James began his working career in Dallas at Texas Instruments in its new defense division. During this time James and Sue Jean had two children, James Norman III (Jim) and Molly.

In 1972, James moved the family to Greenville to continue his defense career by specializing in infrared and electro optical technology for E-Systems (known today as Raytheon). In Greenville, James and Sue Jean purchased a 28-acre farm and seemed to love the country, although both felt they had bigger and better things to do in life. With that in mind, James accepted a job in Orlando, Florida working for Martin Marietta (known today as Lockheed Martin) and moved the family out of Texas.

At Martin, James’ career advanced into a variety of defense roles eventually finishing his career as a Program Manager for Hellfire Missile Systems. He worked on many notable programs including TADS/PNVS (Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor) which was first equipped on the Apache helicopter providing aircrews with enhanced situational awareness with greater performance and survivability.

After James retired from Martin, he and Sue Jean traveled as much as possible across the United States and abroad. Sadly, Sue Jean was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2000 and passed away in 2009. James continued with his life celebrating his children, Jim and Molly, as well as his granddaughter Allyson (Jim’s daughter). He took on the role of Grand Daddy (aka G-Daddy) for Allyson and Jim’s wife’s daughter Jessica. He enjoyed spending time with the girls and they really helped him begin to enjoy life again.

James met Carolyn Bourland in 2012 and enjoyed her company until his passing. Carolyn was able to get James to live again and to try new things he would have frowned upon before she came into his life. She helped him recognize the joy of life again and for that his family is eternally grateful.

James passed away December 6 on a beautifully peaceful Sunday morning. He was surrounded by his children when his spirit transcended his earthly body to begin the next part of his journey, which no doubt included reuniting with Sue Jean, his parents, and many, many others that came before him.