James William Crellin

Mr. Crellin, who retired in 1995 after 25 years at GM, served as the primary public relations contact between the corporation’s top executives and news organizations worldwide. Before joining GM, he had been the labor writer at The Detroit News and also worked at

WWJ-TV.

When he retired from GM, Dave Smith, then editor of Ward’s Auto World, wrote: “Crellin was known for his honesty and integrity -- and for his deftness in traversing the thin line between demands from GM’s brass and his media contacts.”

Born September 8, 1936, in Mt. Clemens, Mich., Mr. Crellin lived most of his life in St. Clair Shores and was a Lake Shore High School graduate. While in high school he exceled at sports, competing on the track team and working as a lifeguard. In 1957 he married his high school sweetheart, Jacamina (Jackie) Randazzo.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, and following his discharge was hired as a copyboy at The Detroit News. One year later he was working as a reporter, city editor and photographer at the Birmingham Eccentric. After attending Wayne State University, he rejoined The Detroit News as a general assignment reporter and assistant labor writer and was appointed labor writer in 1965. In that position he covered and was on a first-name basis with national labor leaders, including the late UAW President Walter P. Reuther and the late Teamsters President James R. Hoffa.

Following a series of Detroit newspaper strikes in the late 1960s, Mr. Crellin joined the WWJ-TV newsreel staff as a photographer.

In 1970 he joined the GM Corporate News Relations Staff. Between 1979 and 1987 he ascended GM’s ranks, with appointments as; Director of Chevrolet Public Relations, Manager of Group and Divisional relations for GM corporate, Director of Field Operations, Director of U.S. Regional Operations and Director of GM News Relations. In 1994, Mr. Crellin was named Director of Communications Operations with responsibility for corporate and North American Operations. He was named director of General Motors Corporate Communications in l995.

Throughout his life Mr. Crellin had a passionate appreciation for nature. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time on Lake St. Clair with family and friends. In his youth he competed in the Au Sable river canoe race annually. He was an avid golfer and photographer.

He will be most remembered as a loving father and quick witted, loyal friend.

Mr. Crellin is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Karen (Joseph) Skandalaris; a son, John M. Crellin; a sister, Mrs. Kathleen (Richard) Deneweth; a brother Christopher (Theresa) ; and a granddaughter, Emma Skandalaris. He was predeceased by his wife Jacamina.

Memorial Visitation Saturday November 18, 2017 2 to 5pm. Kaul Funeral Home 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores.