James “Jim” Dean Crow died on October 14, 2024, at the location where he began his enviable life at the Crow Centennial Farm on Frontier Road. He was born June 27, 1939, the only son of Robert E. and Nellie L. (Butler) Crow. James was preceded in death by his parents and his only sister, Joyce Haller. Jim enjoyed a full life that many can only dream of, centered on commitment to his family, friends, the farming community, and service to the country he loved.

He served his country as an Airman First Class in the 526th Fighter Intercept Squadron of the U. S. Air Force. He and his wife, Martha, lived for two years in Steinwenden, Germany while he was stationed at Ramstein Air Base. They became lifelong friends with the Pletsch family as they lived off-base and their oldest daughter, Cheryl, was born in Germany. James and Martha moved back to Michigan after their time in Germany, started to farm, and had their second daughter, Diane.

His international family grew over the years to include several exchange students. Simon Voets, of the Netherlands; Heidi Hodel-Gerber, of Switzerland; and Ina Cehovica, of Latvia. James considered each of them part of his extended family and cherished their numerous visits.

James had many friends in the Frontier area including some he has known since grade school. He also has friends from his time in the Air Force and others he met while working at Reading Feed Mill, and selling seed corn. Some, due to his chosen profession as a dairy farmer, he did not see often, but they were always important to him. Much to the consternation of his wife, he would at times drop everything on the farm to lend a hand to one of the neighbors who needed to borrow something or finish a task.

James was proud to provide opportunities for young people to learn about agriculture and he was an avid supporter of agricultural education. He wanted young people to understand the importance of agriculture and have a chance to understand how food ends up on their table. He was proud to provide opportunities for those who worked on the farm over the years. He recognizes the efforts and contributions to the family farm of George, Dean, Duane, Jason, Tim, Bob, Quentin, Gina, Greg, and his nephew Joel.

James was a member of both 4-H and FFA and he believed in the future of farming. He was proud to operate one of many dairy farms that previously existed in Hillsdale County. It was important to him to be part of the farming community that would help feed the world. His farm was small by today’s standards; however, he and Martha successfully ran Crow’s Nest Jersey Farm and proudly showed their cattle at the Hillsdale County Fair. Their herd provided a good life for them and their two daughters.

In addition to his service to country, James also served his community. He was a board member for the Hillsdale County Fair, a member of the Township Board of Review for more than 20 years. He served his church as a youth coordinator, was a member of the couple’s club, and participated in numerous services over the years.

James was a kind and thoughtful man with a sharp memory who loved telling stories. In his last act of service, James wants to remind all men to advocate for their own health to ensure that their doctor continues to check their prostate PSA levels later in life. Even if diagnosed with prostate cancer yearly checks can ensure that it doesn’t metastasize to cause other untreatable cancer.

James is survived by his wife Martha (Ford) and his two daughters Cheryl of Louisiana and Diane of Michigan. He is also survived by many incredible nieces and nephews who he regrets that he didn’t get to spend more time with as they grew into the adults who continue the family tradition of service to country and community.

A visitation will be held Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home in Hillsdale, Michigan. Services will be held at the Frontier United Methodist Church on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. with burial to follow in the Frontier Cemetery on Clark Road and a lunch at the church following the graveside service. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Frontier United Methodist Church, 9948 Short Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242.

JD Crow, “the bird with the word” signing off for the final time.