Col. James Harold Crabb Sr. (USAF, Ret.), of Montgomery, AL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at the age of 83. He was the oldest child of Leo Martin and Audie Mescal Crabb. He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Leary Alice Young Crabb, as well as his sister Vicky Darlene Keys (Tommy).
James “Jim” Crabb was born in Lawrenceburg, TN and relocated to Muscle Shoals, AL early in life. He graduated from Sheffield High School, and then attended the University of Alabama, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, and later earning his master’s degree from Texas Christian University (TCU). While at the University of Alabama he met the love of his life, Leary Young, and they were married in 1962. Following college, Jim was employed by WNVA Radio in Tuscumbia, AL using the on-air name “Big Jim Crabb”. The gift of gab was always his specialty, and he was known by all for his soothing deep radio voice. Jim then began a career in the United States Air Force spanning 24 years that included duties around the world. He retired in 1987, stationed at Gunter Annex (Maxwell AFB) and remained in Montgomery, AL. During his military career, Col Crabb was awarded numerous medals to include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and other ribbons. After retiring from the Air Force, Jim went on to work for CSC, SAIC, PRC, Litton-PRC, and finally Northrop-Grumman.
Jim was known as an avid storyteller, with many stories stemming from his incredible military career. Jim could sit with someone and talk for days about his time spent in Saudi Arabia, Guam, Germany, Amsterdam, Belgium, Brussels, and London. Jim loved to reminisce about his days overseas and would actively share them on social media for all to enjoy. The simple conversation of one human to another brought him an immense amount of joy, as Jim loved getting to know others and hearing their stories as well. Jim loved watching his favorite sports teams play, Alabama football, Braves baseball, and Manchester United soccer. He loved to watch the TV shows, Overhauling and Mountain Men, but his most favorite was watching NCIS with Leary. His favorite musicians were Neil Diamond and Joe Cocker, and favorite actors were John Wayne and Gary Grant. Jim, and his wife Leary, spent their retired years enjoying their lake house on Lake Jordan, as well as loving and spending time with their grandchildren/great-grandchildren who were the joy of their lives. Jim will be remembered as a good-hearted, humble man, who was full of life. One of his favorite adages was, “C’est La Vie”, meaning such is life, or that’s life. A saying reminiscent of how Jim lived his own life, calmly and smartly accepting things that were out of his control, yet making the best out of all his Lord, Jesus Christ put before him.
James “Jim” Crabb is survived by his three children James Crabb Jr. (Christina) of Rota, Spain, Richard Crabb Sr. (Wendy) of South Boston, VA, and Delisa Frierson (Tem) of Fort Payne, AL. He is also survived by his sister Teena Knowles (Allen). He has seven grandchildren Shawnee Crabb (James Jr.), Jason Crabb (James Jr.), Richard Jr and wife Audrey (Richard), Sarah Rogers (Richard), Andrew Crabb (Richard), Torey Baggiano (Delisa), and Riley McCarley (Delisa). In addition, he was a great-grandfather of eleven, Leo, James, Sawyer, Simon, Sammy, Ansley, Eleanor, Owen, Caleb, Violet, and Madelyn.
Jim was loved by everyone and always impacted all who came into his path. He will be missed by all, even those who never met him, as the world has lost a truly great man.
Memorial flowers can be sent to White Chapel - Greenwood Funeral Home to be displayed at his Celebration of Life scheduled for Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from 10:30am – 12:00pm. A family and friends graveside will follow at 2:00 pm in Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Hwy 119, Montevallo, AL 35115. Processional to form at 1:30 pm at Welcome Center parking lot.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WhiteChapel-GreenwoodFH.com for the Crabb family.
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