James "Jim" Crooks, 98, of Sebring, FL and Lexington Park, MD, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026 at Lakeshore Manor in Sebring.

Born to Claud and Pauline Crooks on June 17, 1927, Jim enlisted in the Navy at 17 and served in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Tumult, a minesweeper. After World War II ended, Jim returned to Muskegon, Michigan, and attended Muskegon High School, where he met Betty Korstange, the love of his life. They were devoted to each other during their nearly 77 year marriage.

Jim continued to serve his country and community as a computer systems analyst for the DOD, most of the time at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Southern Maryland. He was a devoted member of Lexington Park United Methodist Church and a member of Wicomico Golf Club.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Wayne and Reginald, and his beloved wife, Betty. He is survived by his sister, Delores Decker; his three daughters, Claudia (Mike) Dial, Patricia (Mark) Vanderstelt, and Susan (Ricky) Aldridge; four grandchildren, Jim (Angi) Dial, Steve (Dawn) Dial, Jennifer (Gary) Guy, and Kristin Aldridge; great grandchildren, Devin, Megan and Justin Dial and Grace and Olivia Guy, and two second great grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Life for both Jim and Betty at Lexington Park United Methodist Church on May 20 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lexington Park United Methodist Church.