John James Crymes

Jack Crymes, 90 years old, died August 31, 2024 at The Stewart Health Center at the Cypress of Charlotte. Jack was born May 29, 1934, in St. Peter’s Hospital in Charlotte to the late Hildred Turner and Bill Crymes. He was preceded in death by his older brother Bill Crymes Jr in 1979. He attended the Charlotte Public Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1952.

Jack attended Davidson College where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, graduating in 1956. Jack was a member of the Varsity Swim Team while at Davidson. In April of 2006 he celebrated his 50th Graduation Anniversary. Jack had been a strong supporter of Davidson and for over 30 years of WDAV, the classical radio station of Davidson College. He had worn his Davidson class ring ever since he took off his wedding band.

Jack served his country in the US Army twice, first in Korea during the peacekeeping, and then called up while in the reserves in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis and served for a year in Ft. Rucker, AL.

Jack’s father founded Faul & Crymes Sporting Goods in 1930 which was for many years the leading sporting goods store in the area. Following his service in Korea, Jack went to work there as a salesman calling on schools and colleges. During this period, he was elected President of the Southeastern Sporting Goods Dealers. Following the sale of the company in 1976, Jack became a Manufacturer’s Representative calling on Sporting Goods Stores, forming his own company Crymes Sports Sales. One of Jack’s mottos was “live to work not work to live”. He was well respected in his profession and by his customers who counted on him as a friend.

Jack was married in 1960 to Mary Frances Rich who died very prematurely in 1990. Mary Frances and Jack were blessed with one son Jay Crymes who is married to Gina Crymes, his beloved daughter-in-law, with granddaughter Mary Elizabeth, named after two grandmothers and grandson John James Crymes III, his namesake.

Jack is survived also by his sister Mary Wayne Bywater of Orlando, FL and her family. Survived by his extended family from his marriage, was Bonson and Ann Rich Hobson and their children and grandchildren.

Jack was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, respected colleague and good friend. Jack was known for his huge smile, booming laugh, warm personality, and ability to find something in common with everyone. The quintessential Southern Gentleman never lost his ability to say “Please, Thank you and I love you.” Armed with these vital words and magnetic charm he went about his day with immense faith in his God. Jack adored Jay. From his birth they shared a special kinship which enabled them to get through adolescence and early adulthood with the minimum of difficulties, later working together for many years.

Jack was a member of St. John’s Baptist Church for 50 years where he had served as a Youth Pastor, Sunday School Teacher, Officer of the Board of Deacons and Life Deacon. He spent a brief time at Myers Park Presbyterian where he was active in the Chancel Choir. He returned to St. John’s Baptist in recent years and enjoyed being back.

The family would like to thank The Stewart Center at The Cypress of Charlotte for the special care given to Jack: especially LaToya, Tammy, Andrea and Aaron.

A Celebration of Life for Jack will be held at 11:00am, Monday, September 16, 2024, in the Chapel of St. John’s Baptist Church, 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte. A reception at the church will follow.

Flowers and Memorials are asked to be delivered to St. John's Baptist Church.