James Earl Crosby

James Earl Crosby, 90, of Crozet, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Hospice of the Piedmont Residential Hospice House in Charlottesville, with his devoted wife of 44 years, Patsy, by his side. He was born on September 17, 1935, in Staunton, Virginia, to the late Marvin Lee and Mildred Lillian Crosby. Jim lived a life defined by curiosity, service, and a deep love for community. He was a devoted member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Greenwood, where his faith quietly guided how he lived and served others.

Jim graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Staunton and proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1956. His life took him from Staunton to Wilmington, Delaware; Ocean City, Maryland; and back home to Virginia, where Crozet became his cherished home for the past 40 years. Everywhere he lived, Jim found ways to contribute, lead, and connect people.

A gifted storyteller with a camera and a pen, Jim began his career as a news photographer, capturing moments for the Staunton News-Leader and later the News-Journal in Wilmington. His professional life evolved into tourism, communications, and public service, where he became known for his creativity, vision, and ability to bring people together. Whether promoting travel for the State of Delaware, supporting education at Miller School, or leading his own newspaper, The Bulletin, in Crozet, Jim approached his work with enthusiasm and pride.

Service was not just something Jim did, it was who he was. He gave countless hours to the American Red Cross, served as a boating safety instructor, and was a founding force behind the Western Albemarle Rescue Squad and the Albemarle County Fair. His dedication to boating safety through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary earned him numerous honors, but his greatest reward was knowing he helped keep others safe on the water.

Jim will be remembered for his steady leadership, generous spirit, and willingness to step forward when something needed to be done. He had a natural way of making people feel informed, supported, and included. To those who knew him best, he was dependable, thoughtful, and deeply committed to the people and places he loved.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patsy Marie Crosby; sister, Elsie Price; his children, Lee Jepson Crosby, Peter William Crosby, Lynn Jeanette Smith, Ashley Blair Crosby and Avery Beth Smit; and many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marva Pisco, and former wife Ruth Crosby.

A service celebrating Jim's life will be held on Saturday, January 17th at 11:00 am at Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Greenwood.