James Crites

James Keith "Jim" Crites, age 75, of Jackson passed away Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, at his home.

He was born July 19, 1945, in Cape Girardeau, the son of Vester and Beulah Propst Crites. He married Lois Gibbs on Dec. 10, 1966.

At the age of 11, Jim was saved and baptized at West Side Church of God in Cape Girardeau. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Jackson for many years.

Jim was a 1964 graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School. He was inducted into the U.S. Army Nov. 2, 1965, and served until being honorably discharged Oct. 17, 1967.

After his military service, he worked for International Harvester/Schneider Equipment in Cape Girardeau. He worked 20 years with the Cape Special Road District as a mowing foreman and operator. After retiring, he continued to work part time for the road district.

Jim also served as a volunteer fireman for the fire departments at Jackson and Millersville.

Loving survivors include his wife of over 54 years, Lois Crites; two sons, Jeff (Ashley) Crites of Greenville, South Carolina, and Darin Crites of Jackson; five grandchildren Anna, Elijah, Peyton, Brayden and Brooklyn Crites; and three nieces and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Isaac Richard Crites; and a sister, Pansy Hellman.

A memorial visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The memorial service will be at noon Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Randy Riley officiating. Military honors will follow the service. A private burial will be held at a later date in Fairmount Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Southeast Hospice or Avenue of Flags -- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau.

Arrangements were accorded by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

To send an online condolence, visit www.mccombsfuneralhome.com, navigate to Jim's personal obituary page, and click on the tribute wall tab.