James "Jim" Crooks

James “Jim” Crooks, went home to the eternal splendors of Heaven on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Envive of Sullivan. Surrounded by those he loved. He was one of 10 children born to the late Cecil and Pansy Crooks, on May 5,1936. Jim was a graduate of Sullivan High School, class of 1954. He married his lifelong love, Nancy Lewellyn, on October 3,1958. They spent 67 years hand in hand, loving life and raising their sons.

Jim was a well respected, and well known businessman. Being co-owner of Carl Engels Mens Store, in downtown Sullivan for 35 plus years. After the sale of the store, he remained in retail spending 20 years with Boot City, in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was also one of the founders of planning the Sullivan City Pool.

Jim was a proud 50 plus year dedicated member of Masonic Lodge # 263 in Sullivan, also a member and active part of Sullivan Christian Church, where he enjoyed the friendships and fellowships of his church family. He enjoyed meeting new people and never met a stranger.

He was known for his green thumb, meticulously growing beautiful plush vegetable gardens each summer. He enjoyed mushroom hunting with many trips to Michigan for mushrooms with the Carter’s. He and the boys spent time wild blackberry picking each summer, a memory they will forever cherish. He was also an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying all sports.

His greatest fulfillment in life was his family. He was a loving and dedicated Husband, Dad, Grandfather and Great Great Grandfather, Brother and Friend.

Those preceding him are his parents, siblings, George, Dick, John, Betty, Rose, Jo, Barb and Mary Ellen Crooks.

Those here to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Nancy Crooks; sons, Mark Crooks (Karen) and David Crooks (Roxanna); sister, Jane Doyle; grandchildren, Evan, Amy, Zack, Chris, Dakota, Alec (Erin), and Allison (Billy); great-grandchildren, Kelson, Scarlett and Charlotte; several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Services to honor a well lived life will be on, April 18, 2026 at 1:00pm. At Center Ridge Cemetery with Pastor Lyle Parker officiating.

Holmes Memorial Chapel and staff were honored to assist the family with arrangements.