James was born and raised in Ellensburg, Washington by Maudie and Bernie Crouse. He was born with five older siblings, Arthur, Bernie, Helen, Leona, and Doris. James was born on Chestnut St. at the original Ellensburg Hospital, which is no longer standing today. He grew up here in Ellensburg with many cousins and created great memories during his childhood. His Father, Bernie was the town Studebaker mechanic and his Mother Maudie worked at the local J.C. Penney store until her retirement. James continued to create memories with family and friends over the years to come, there was nowhere in Ellensburg he could go, and not run into someone he knew.
Jim has touched so many lives in this Valley, from graduating with the Class of 1972 at Ellensburg High School through the many adventures he had with close friends over the years, and into his professional career. Jim had a way with words, and people. No matter whom you were to him, or if you were a stranger for the moment, he would strike up conversation with you in a manner that made it seem like you’d know each other for years. Jim’s professional career began at Schaake Packing Company, (which was later known as Washington Beef) as a Butcher/Production Foreman, where he served the local community for years. Later in life, Jim transitioned into the transportation field. He delivered oxygen to Patients, Nitrogen to apple warehouses, fuel to fuel stations, sand & gravel to various home sites throughout the valley, along with Fed Ex packages to the Ellensburg business & college district. Late in his professional career Jim found his true calling working with the State of Washington, to aide families in need of childcare assistance for their children. He was passionately involved in employee rights as the President of the Local #1301 Union for the WFSE/AFSME (Washington Federation of State Employees/American Federation of State Country & Municipal Employees).
Recently, spotlighted in a Dept. of Social & Health Services Newsletter Jim was asked one question, “If you could have one super power, what would it be?” Jim’s response was “to be a bird, able to fly and look at everything through a birds-eye view soaring above the clouds!” His words of wisdom, tough love, and that sparkle in his eyes when he’d smile at you, will forever be deeply missed. Jim knew it was not about what we leave behind, but who; he will forever live on in our hearts, in our minds, and in the many wonderful memories we were so lucky to have shared with him.
Jim’s love for Studebakers, sports (especially the Seahawks) and talking politics filled his days. His adventures on his Harley Davidson Fatboy made him the happiest though; that feeling of freedom, riding down an open road with the wind at his face. Jim loved people and he always lived life to its fullest. In the words of a dear family member “Jim had a unique and piercing ability to let you know you meant something to him.” He was the best, most loving Husband, Father, Uncle, Nephew, and friend anyone could ask for. Jim strived to live his life daily by “Desiderata,” in the words of Max Ehrmann:
“Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,
Keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”
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