James "Jim" E Croxton

James "Jim” Edward Croxton, 89, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 surrounded by family. Jim was born October 16, 1934 in Fort Wayne to the late Walter and Helen (Hilgemann) Croxton. He married Dixie S. Froeschke, of Vincennes, in 1956 at Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church, Vincennes, Indiana, and she survives. Jim was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne where he was confirmed and baptized in 1957. He served in the Emmanuel-Saint Michael Lutheran School Parent-Teacher-Organization, and he served Emmanuel Lutheran Church in many capacities including Elder, President of the Congregation, Bible Study Teacher, Senior Ministry, and Hospital Visitation over the 60+ years. He was a devoted husband and father, and his absolute favorite role was grandpa to the grands, the greats, and the great-great. He enjoyed coaching the Emmanuel Youth League basketball teams featuring son Paul and players who became like sons - John Thomas, Kirk Daily, and Rod Rodenbeck. Jim loved watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports including basketball, soccer, softball, and baseball. He rooted for Chicago Cubs baseball and IU basketball, often questioning the ref’s calls. He also enjoyed just spending time together with family and friends. He played sports himself in church basketball and fast pitch softball leagues, and he especially enjoyed his C. Miller & Sons bowling teams and tournaments. In marriage, he gained lifelong friends and family in Vincennes Indiana and appreciated the hard work of melon farming. He made many trips south over the years to visit in-laws, outlaws, cousins, and dear friends. Jim was a proud graduate of Harrison Hill Elementary, and South Side High School Class of 1952. He spent his entire career in the printing industry, starting as an apprentice typesetter with the Journal Gazette, and retired in sales at Lincoln Printing. Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dixie; daughters, Cathy Croxton (Joe Myers) of Bloomington, Lori Gerig (Rick) of Fort Wayne, Joy Medrano (Rich Glaubitz) of Damascus, Oregon; son, Paul (Becky) Croxton of Mint Hill, North Carolina; nine grandchildren - Angie Yoder, Brittany Gerig (Ryan Hopkins), Dan (Kelsey) Gerig, Zac Gerig, Rachael Medrano, Grant Myers (Amanda Eckhert), Mitch Myers, Hannah Croxton (Wesley Yoder), and Natalie Croxton; three great grandchildren - Alivia Croxton, Xavier Croxton, and Sonia Yoder, and one great-great grandchild Bryson Olden, Jr.; also brother-in-law Joe Froeschke (Wilma), and sisters-in-law Judy Ann Froeschke, and Judy Kay Froeschke; and five half brothers and sisters - Dennis Croxton, Richard Croxton, Marcia Malicki, Karen Croxton, and Faye Hewitt-Lighty. He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Fred and Tom Froeschke; half sister Patricia Patchett; half brother Walter Croxton; parents, and step-father Forrest Allen. Visitation for Jim will be held Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804, and one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday morning at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 917 West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802. Funeral services will be Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 917 West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802, Pastor Thomas Eggold will officiate. A committal service will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 6600 West Covington Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804. Memorials to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, www.emmanuellutheran.org/how-to-give Condolences and memories of Jim may be left online at www.greenlawnmpfh.com