Dr James Crowder Springer

Dr. James Crowder Springer, of Sullivan, passed away in his hometown on May 31, 2017. Born in Sullivan to Eugene and Rachel (Crowder) Springer, James grew up in the fields and woods of Sullivan County. He married Sara Woodward in August 1960 and soon after began practicing dentistry in the US Air Force. They moved back to Sullivan in 1966, when James opened his local practice. Up to the end of his life, he was still practicing.

He was not only a beloved dentist (strange in itself) but a Renaissance man: outdoorsman, master gardener, football and baseball coach, card shark, cat fancier, storyteller, and self-described gym rat. Among his proudest memories are his contributions at offensive end to his undefeated Sullivan High School football team. He left life as he lived it: actively and with a zest for showing up younger people.

He is survived by his brothers, Robert and Benjamin, both of Sullivan); his children, Elizabeth (Crawfordsville, IN) and Clinton (West Linn, OR); and four grandchildren Mariel, Dirk, Finley, and Marlowe.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday June 5, 2017 at Holmes Memorial Chapel with Rev. Tim Lueking officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 1-6:00 p.m. Burial will be in Center Ridge Cemetery. The family suggest that if friends so desire memorial contributions may be made to the Wabash Valley Community Foundation. Envelopes will be avialable at the Funeral Home.