James "Jim" Croff

James Duane "Jim" Croff was born May 5th,1939 to Kenneth David and Cecelia Ann (Lybarker) Croff. He grew up in Ypsilanti, MI but he fondly recalls spending many summers in Petoskey on his mother's family's farm. In 1969 he moved his family up north to Cadillac and then to Traverse City in 1976. Jim was an Army Veteran who served proudly from 1957-1960, primarily while stationed in Germany. Jim was very patriotic and proudly flew his country's flag. He was seldom seen while out, without sporting his Veteran ball cap. After discharge Jim met and then married Rita "Rochelle" Ketchpaw in 1961. He was a devoted husband and June 3rd would have marked their 64th year of marriage. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his 3 children, James Brien Croff, Kelleen "Kelley" Marie Tolle (Brian) and Thomas Michael Croff (Tracy). In addition he was proud of his 7 grandchildren; Brien Croff, Danielle Croff Barger, Jansen, Morgan and Evan Tolle, and Hayden and Ashley Croff and 2 great grandchildren Aurora Rose and Atlas James Barger. Jim and Rochelle were passionate about attending as many of their grandchildren's sporting, musical, instrumental and other extracurricular performances as possible. They were notorious for showing up early and snagging great seats Jim worked in many trades including The Pretzel Bell-Ann Arbor and grocery retail (Kroger, Plumb's) management, and driving school bus but found his true calling working Munson Medical Center providing patient care. He worked there for 30 years. Jim has a long history of cardiac issues beginning with bypass surgery at 52. Over the years he had multiple other procedures including angioplasty and stents that continued to buy him more time and learned to be his own best advocate. During this time he felt called to work in some capacity in the cardiac care field to share his experience strength and hope. He began as a nurses assistant and eventually became invaluable to the staff and patients in the Cardiac Cath Lab recovery unit. He perfected his sheath management techniques and was ultimately asked to train others. He had an excellent work ethic and lived by the mantra that "attitude is everything". He tried to retire once but found himself missing the fulfillment his work gave him. He returned to the department in a less physically demanding capacity until finally retiring at age 83. A retirement party was thrown by the department's doctors and staff was very well attended and was a highlight of his career he recalled with joy and pride. Jim was an avid deer hunter during both archery and rifle seasons. His special nephew, Tony Croff, saw to it that Jim was able to continue with that as he aged by providing and maintaining a hunting "condo" blind on his property that he could reach safely and stay comfortable in. He was successful often in providing venison for his family. Jim also loved music and had a wonderful singing voice. He first performed publicly singing solo, "Ave' Maria" a Capella, in Latin no less. He was often asked to perform solo at weddings and other functions. Jim was an Army Glee Club member while serving in Germany. He was active for many years in the Cherry Capital Barbershop Chorus and sang lead in various quartets. He was also a member of church choirs throughout the Traverse City area; initially Catholic and later at Community of Joy and Faith Reformed, both Reformed Churches of America. During their empty nest years Jim and Rochelle further pursued their lifelong joy of camping and made many dear friends that met up every summer at various campgrounds, Birch point in Traverse City seasonally before it closed, then Gilbert Park in Central Lake and Pat's Place in Mesick in particular. They also shared a time of square dancing as members of the Buttons and Bows Square Dance Club. These years were also filled with a greater emphasis on their development of a personal relationship with Jesus and serving the community through their church involvement. Jim served as an Elder at The Community of Joy church, participated in the Million Man March in Washington DC and Jim and Rochelle both took their Walk to Emmeus. Jim died at his daughter's home where she had been providing care for him. He had been in in-home hospice for nearly 3 months. As the last surviving member of his immediate family he now joins his parents, brothers Wayne and Kenneth Croff and sister Livia Marks in their heavenly home. Jim wished to be cremated and to not have a formal funeral or service. His ashes will be preserved until which time they can be mingled with those of his wife and their 2 beloved dogs that went before them and then scattered at a private, special location. Family please invites you to share your memories of Jim by visiting Reynolds-Jonkhoff.com. Cards and flowers may be sent to the Funeral Home to be brought to the family.

James "Jim" Croff

May 5, 1939 - May 27, 2025