James Michael Crowe, Jr., DDS

Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, James M Crowe Jr. DDS, 73 of North Potomac MD passed on to eternal life after a fearless, valiant fight against lung cancer. He never lost his hope as he remained positive every step of the way.

Jim was born on 4/29/1948 to the late James Sr. and Elise (Ferioli) Crowe of Springfield, MA. He was predeceased by his older sister, Barbara A Willis. Throughout his life he was known to many as Bird Man, Doc and his favorite, Uncle Jimmy. Born and raised in Springfield, MA, Jim graduated from the former Classical High School. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from The American International College, which he did in only three years. He received early acceptance and graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Dentistry.

Jim is survived by the true love of his life of 24 years, Shirley Daniels also of North Potomac who remained by his side until the end.

He is also survived by two loving nieces, Lisa and Sherry Willis (Ty Mezzetti), and great niece Makenna Elise Mezzetti, and one brother in law, Joseph C Willis who will miss him dearly and could never be closer no matter how many miles between them. He had such a special bond with Makenna who he taught how to do so many things and shared so many stories over the years. His special time with her at the ocean watching turtle’s hatch on the shores of North Carolina, to opening Christmas presents, making French toast, playing chess, watching her ride her horses, ice skating and building endless sandcastles will leave memories to last a lifetime.

Jim was proud to serve his country honorably as a Captain in the Army dental corps, and served his residency at Walter Reed Hospital at the dental clinic Ft. Mead, MD Army base. In 1975 Dr. Crowe became an Associate dentist with Dr. Theodore Le Blanc in Bethesda MD, and bought the practice upon Dr. Le Blanc's retirement 1999. His love for dentistry led him to provide the best of care with pride and compassion for his patients along with his dedicated office manager, Kathy Sinnott. He was respected, trusted and loved by his patients who continued to send cards and prayers and never gave up on him returning to the practice. He also practiced dentistry for more than 20 years with Dr. Anthony Ambrosi and Mrs. Dada Ambrosi in White Oak, where he had a continued opportunity to learn dentistry as well as developing a lifelong friendship.

He was a member of the Washington Dental Study Club, and the Capital Academy of Clinical Dentists, where he enjoyed his continued certification studies throughout his career. Jim and Shirley loved attending special study club social events for holidays and spring celebration. Jim was also a member of the Bethesda Rotary Club for many years and served his community.

Jim loved jogging every day before work with his neighbor and friend Dennis Leighty. He was an avid golfer and never missed an opportunity to join special friends for a round of Nassau. They were amazed at how hard Jim could hit the ball with such skinny “bird legs”. He never missed annual golfing trips with his “Buddies” to Florida and North Carolina. He loved the beach and took vacations in Spring and Fall with Shirley to their favorite beach in Corolla Light Resort. Jim could be seen in good weather or bad standing in the water for hours, watching the waves and admiring God’s beauty. He honored his family every summer with a vacation beach house on the shores of the Carolinas as well as well as never missing times with them for holidays, birthdays and other special celebrations.

He loved social events and his charm and easy comfortable manner made everyone feel special. He always put others first and was truly a generous and humble man. His amazing circle of friends lasted a lifetime from high school, dental school, professional associations and the Bethesda and Gaithersburg community. As a long time member of the Darnestown, MD Swim and Tennis Club, Jim was known as Dr. Crowe and loved by all. He was seen most evenings and weekends in the summer swimming laps and enjoying social time at the pool.

Jim regularly attended St. Raphael Catholic Church in Falls Grove, and his faith and trust in God was strong demonstrated by his amazing bravery in his final hours.

In these unprecedented times with the Covid pandemic, a life celebration will be held later this summer in tribute to Jim in MD. DeVol Funeral home in Gaithersburg, MD will transport Jim on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, to Forastiere Smith Funeral Home at 220 N Main St, East Longmeadow MA 01208.

Flowers may be sent to the Forastiere Smith Funeral home, where a period of visitation will be on Thursday April 15, 2021 from 5-7 pm. A funeral home service will follow on Friday April 16th at 9 am. Committal services will be held at St. Michael's Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, contributions made be made to Heart of the Nation Catholic Television Ministry, PO Box 14438, Milwaukee, WI 53214, where Jim found great comfort during the pandemic.

A Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of Dr. James Crowe on his birthday,Thursday, April 29, 2021, 9 am at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1513 Dunster Road, Rockville, MD 20854.