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1923
2019
JAMES (MELVIN) LOUIS CROWDER
1923 ˜ 2019
Jim Crowder passed away on December 29, 2019. He was born in Portland, OR, the son of an artist-rodeo performer (James Allen Crowder) and a former trick rider (Nellie Robinson Crowder). His father died due to a rodeo accident soon after Jim’s birth and his mother Nellie raised him with his step-father Ralph Crawford.
Jim joined the US Army Air Cadets in 1941. He ended up serving in three branches of the military (Army Air Corps, Army Intelligence, and Coast Guard), retiring as a Major/Lt. Commander.
In 1945, he married Doris Watkins at Grand Island, NE, and soon moved to Vancouver, WA.
He received a Master’s Degree in Science Education from the University of Portland, and taught math, mechanical drawing and aviation subjects at McLoughlin Junior High.
Jim was the founder of the first west coast community college police science program, and was later an administrator at Clark College.
After retirement from the college system, he taught flying and was owner manager of an airplane sales company.
Because of his interest in flying and aeronautics, he was instrumental in the creation of the Pearson Aircraft Museum.
He was preceded in death by sister, Vivian; and wife, Doris who passed away in 2017 after their 72nd anniversary.
Jim is survived by three children: Sharon (Bill) Martin, Gail Prager, and Cyndy (Chuck) Hughes; his granddaughters, Wendy Martin and Jaimie (Matthew) Mohan; and his great-grandsons, Liam (William) and Sullivan Mohan.
A funeral service will be held on Sat., Jan. 11, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mr. Crowder (Jim) was one of the best teachers and persons that I have known. I enjoyed the drafting classes at Mac High. I remember us all helping move our drafting equipment from the old WWII building to the brand new Mac High. Jim had me make a drawing of the front of the new school for the school paper. Ironically, Mac High is due to be torn down to make way for another new building.
I also knew Jim when we both worked at Clark College. Through out life I would run into him and always enjoyed talking with him and hearing his wisdom. Rest in Peace Jim!
Russ Erdman
January 14, 2020
Jim was like a second Father to me. He got me started in Aviation at an early age which led to a long Airline career for me. I will never forget him.
Katy Cawley
January 12, 2020
Jim was my aviation teacher at Mac High and had a big impact on me going into aviation as Army Helicopter pilot. A great ameraican
Doug Maas
January 11, 2020
I had Jim Crowder for Homeroom at Mac Hi.I have to agree with those who said he was a fun teacher who took an interest in his students. I was also fortunate to see him each week at the church my family attended with the Crowder family. My condolences to the Crowder daughters.
Penny Juve
January 10, 2020
So sorry for the loss of your Dad but now he and your Mother are reunited once again. I can't make the funeral, but you will all be in my prayers. Your Dad was fun! Love, Sandee Davis
January 6, 2020
Sharon and I were good buddies and I spent many an after school afternoon at the Crowder house. It was always warm and loving, and especially a place where kittens and cats were part of the family. I have many fond memories . . .
Terri (Memovich) Bull
January 6, 2020
I HAD MR CROWDER MECHANICAL DRAWING CLASS AT MAC HIGH HE WAS REALLY A COOL GUY HE WILL BE MISSED
TOM Madison
January 6, 2020
Mr. Crowder taught me mechanical drawing at Mac High. Because of my interest in aviation he also taught me how to "fly" a Link Trainer that was backstage at Mac High. This ended up starting my aviation career both civilian and Air Force. He was a great guy and I always remembered him.
Jim Brown
January 6, 2020
He was great....
Dominic Salvato
January 5, 2020
Correction to my letter of condolences....
I had Mr Crowder as a teacher at Mc Laughlin Junior High NOT
Hudson's Bay HS .
Senior moment !!
Gordon Malella
January 5, 2020
Thank you Mr. Crowder for being such a fair and interesting teacher. I loved Mechanical Drawing class and I bet I could find a couple of my projects. You were tough to please, but always understanding when any of us fell short. Rest in Peace kind sir.
Dennis Gillingham
January 5, 2020
What an amazing man. He was my drafting teacher at Hudsons Bay in theVery early 1960s. Although not particularly fond of high school, he was a highlight and made it better. Now at 75 years old I am still recounting the experience. The never ending stories were over the top. RIP Mr Crowder....Condolences to all your family.
Gordon Malella
January 5, 2020
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