James Edward Crowder, Sr.

Obituary For James Edward Crowder, Sr.

James Edward Crowder Sr., 82, of Chesterfield, passed away September 20, 2024, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Willie and Georgianna Rogers Crowder.

He was raised in South Boston, Virginia by close family with his brother and cousins. James learned the value of hard work and discipline from an early age by picking tobacco in the fields, driving kids to school and attending church regularly as a child. He told many stories over the years about his upbringing and how it shaped him into the man he became.

James moved to the big city of New York at the ripe age of 18 and began living with his brother. He was a dishwasher until he was able to secure a job with the New York City Transit Authority. He received many accolades during his time with the New York City Transit Authority and always stayed true to his morals and values. James always had big dreams of starting a family and returning to Virginia to raise his children in a safe environment. While in New York, he met the love of his life; Nadeene, while passing by the makeup counter at Macy’s. He returned days later and gave her a bus token and told her that it was a token of his appreciation of her beauty. Little did he know that token would carry him into the next new chapter of his life. They married in 1986, became the parents of two beautiful children and enjoyed thirty-nine years of marriage. “Jimmy” was the nickname that she gave him and it has stuck with him throughout the years as an inside joke that they shared. She remained by his side, faithful, until death did part them.

He retired from the New York City Transit Authority in 1996 and moved his family to Chesterfield, Virginia after years of saving up money to achieve his dream. He secured a job doing what he loved, driving school buses for Chesterfield County Public Schools. During his time in Chesterfield County, he touched the lives of many children and families by making sure his students made it to and from school safely every day. He was well known for his patience and his “end of the year pizza parties” for his students to close out every year just right. He retired in 2019.

After retirement, James enjoyed relaxing and spending time with his grandchildren, close family and friends. He remained strong in his faith in the Lord throughout the years and loved an occasional game of Dominoes or spades. Anyone that knows him knows how much he loved to win and had a fun time doing so.

He will always be remembered for his jokes and bright personality that lit up any room that he entered. James was a loving and giving individual that always went out his way to help people in need. His kind and gracious heart will truly be missed. His friends and family have so many good memories to keep his spirit and determination alive for years to come.

The family wanted to share James’ favorite bible verse with everyone, hopefully you will carry it with you in memory of him:

Matthew 6:33-34

“BUT SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND ALL THESE THINGS WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU AS WELL. THEREFORE DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW, FOR TOMORROW WILL WORRY ABOUT ITSELF. EACH DAY HAS ENOUGH TROUBLE OF IT'S OWN.”

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife; Nadeene Crowder; four children, Marie Crowder, Ashanti Crowder, James Jr. and Nicolette “Nikki” Crowder; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2024 at First Baptist Church Centralia. Interment private.