T. James ”jim” Crites

T. James “Jim” Crites, 73, of Clearwater, Florida and formerly of New Philadelphia, died unexpectedly Friday, May 15, 2009, at Mansfield, Ohio.Jim was born May 16, 1935 at New Philadelphia, Ohio, and was the only son of the late Thurman A. and Lillian S. (Tshantz) Crites.A 1953 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, Jim was a member of the Quaker’s 1950 undefeated football team. Following high school, Jim proudly served in the United States Navy from 1953-1957.Following his separation from the Navy, Jim worked as a firefighter until he was awarded a position into the International Brotherhood of Electricians, Canton Electrical Local #540. Until his retirement in the mid 1990’s, Jim worked for several area electrical companies.Jim was a member and trustee of the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia for many years. Following his relocation to Clearwater, Florida after retirement, Jim became a member and trustee of Skycrest United Methodist Church where he gave many hours of his time joyfully. Jim was also a life member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge #510.Jim was a loving husband, father & friend, who loved and served the Lord. He was an organized, detail-oriented man, who would always lend a hand to anyone in need. His acts of kindness were insurmountable as no job was too difficult. If there was a way to fix something, he would find it. Jim performed these acts in a most humble way, and worked diligently until he was satisfied that his job was done right.He will be best remembered by his family as a wonderful and caring man. Jim’s love for his family and his eagerness to attend the activities of his children, and later his grandchildren and even great-grandchildren far surpassed any of his own personal activities. He truly enjoyed camping, and spending time with his family and friends throughout his lifetime. He loved living in Florida and working on projects.He will be greatly missed by his wife, Florence Crites, whom he married on December 16, 1994; daughters, Julie (Randy) Brinkman of New Philadelphia, Jeanne (Bob) Beaber of Stone Creek, Lisa James of Winona, Minnesota, Jody (Ben) Shook, Melissa Lebold, and Tina (Ron) Schlemmer all of New Philadelphia; step-children, Linda (John) Metzger of Lone Oak, Texas Sue (Jim) Griswold, Shirley (Allen) Au and Steven Swind all of Mansfield and Scott (Michelle) Swind of Springhill, Florida; two sisters, Kay (Larry) Tedrick of New Philadelphia and Eva Jean Longacher of Dover.Twenty-five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren complete the family.In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Wassem; two brothers-in-law, James “Pooter” Wassem and Ken Longacher; and a step-grandson, Jacob Shook.The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge #510 will hold services at 7:45 PM. Reverend Dr. Steven Bailey will lead a service celebrating Jim’s life on Thursday, May 21, 2009, at 10:30 A.M. in the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia. Immediately following the service the family invites guests to join in a time of food and fellowship in the church social hall. In keeping with Jim’s wishes cremation will follow the services and burial, with military honors, in Union Hill Cemetery at Sugarcreek will be held at a later date.The family requests that those wishing to do so may make contributions in Jim’s name to either The United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia, 201 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or to Skycrest United Methodist Church, 2045 Drew Street, Clearwater, Florida 33765.