Willie James Crowell II was born on November 27, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. He was the only child born to the union of Willie James and Mattie Louise Crowell. His father preceded him in death when James was 14 years of age and his mother in 2008.
James acquired basic academic education and training from Central High School in Detroit, Michigan. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he was honorably discharged in 1961. Shortly after returning home from the Navy, James began working at Gold Bell Gift Stamp until 1965. He began his career at General Motors Detroit Diesel division. He retired from General Motors in 1992 after devoting 27 years of exemplary employment.
In 1961 James married his high school sweetheart Jaqueline Saunders. From this union they had two children, Willie James Crowell III and Janell Louise Wilcox. Although they dissolved their marriage after 13 years, they remained friends until his death.
James professed Christ at an early age under Rev. Clarence Bolden Sr. in Detroit, Michigan and re-established his commitment to Christ 3 years ago.
James instilled the value of education in his children to the point that he successfully pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree, at the age 36.
In 1993, James moved to Chandler, AZ after his retirement where he was later joined by his daughter and her family and his mother shortly followed to enjoy the Arizona sun together.
James, or “Sonny” as a few precious friends called him, will be remembered by family and friends as a strong, private, deep-thinking, fun loving, and caring man who enjoyed being around his family, dancing, listening to jazz music and watching or attending sports events, especially when his son and grandsons were involved.
James made his transition from earth to glory and fell asleep in the arms of Jesus on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 11:44 a.m. Leaving to cherish his life and many precious memories: son James Crowell (Jammie), daughter Janell Wilcox (Eddie III), grandchildren: James Jamar Robinson (Donja), Eddie Wilcox IV, Eric Wilcox, Malorie Hollingshead (Aries), Randi Calvin, great grandchildren: Brennen, AJ, Tia and Arabella Hollingshead; brothers and sisters in love: Gwendolyn Rogers (Sam), Clarence “Sonny” Bolden, Robert Brooks Jr. (Andre’), Adolph “Tate” Brooks (Rita), Barbara Porter, Patricia Hassan (Theodore), Cheryl Gooden (Anthony), and children in love: Anthony Moss, Carla Stewart, Damon Stewart (Gina) and Sidney Bishop, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and love ones.
The family of James Crowell II wishes to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for all comforting messages, deeds, floral tributes, prayers, and other expressions of kindness and concern during our time of bereavement. A more personal acknowledgement will be sent at a later date.
Please feel free to leave a memory or story about James on his website. The memories and stories will be cherished for years to come..
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