James Daniel Crabbe

Jim Crabbe passed away at home suddenly on January 28 surrounded by his wife and daughter.

He was born on Dec. 11, 1945, to Theordore Crabbe and Ray Elsner, at Crow Agency, Montana, where his father was a doctor. Jim graduated from Danforth High School in Illinois and Westmont College in Santa Barbara. Shortly thereafter he was drafted into the army, married, and had three children of which he was very proud. Jim received his MS in School Administration in Buffalo, NY and attended the US Army War Intl. Relations College in Carlisle, PA and received his Masters in Economics. Jim served 27 years as an Artillery officer and was one of three being considered for rank of “one star” General. Because of his lack of Vietnam experience he did not receive it. During his military career he was deployed worldwide serving in Korea, Italy, Germany and The Netherlands. While in Europe Jim worked with many foreign allies in the planning of WWIII. He met often with high ranking dignitaries, one of which was Colin Powell. Jim was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal and Legion of Merit among other meritorious service awards.

Following Jim’s retirement at Fort Lewis from the army in 1995 with the rank of full Bird Colonel, Jim went to work at a local community college where, within 9 months he was promoted to Vice President of Instruction. In 1999 he went on to become the State Board for Community and Technical College’s Director of Workforce Education of the 34 community college in the state. He was formally acknowledged for developing several nationally recognized programs while in that position.

At the time of Jim’s death he was serving as the Deputy Director of the SBCTC. He often mentioned how much he loved the people he worked with and bragged about their accomplishments.

Jim loved to golf, fish, hunt, collect WWII artifacts. Most of all, he enjoyed his home and time spent with his loving wife.

Jim is survived by his wife, Donna; his son, James T. Crabbe (Carrie); his daughters Janet (Derek); and Julia Crabbe; step-sons, Brian Cayton and Jim Cayton. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Mya and Gavin Kirkman, Lilly and Tyler Crabbe, Maris and McRae Cayton, Connor Cayton and his former wife LouAnn Crabbe.

He also left behind sisters Ellen Norton, Ruth Benson (Cliff), Teddi McCunn (Drummond), and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim will be sorely missed by his hunting partner, Frank Callahan and his hunting dog and best pal, “The Colonel Man”.

Most of all Jim will be remembered for the twinkle in his eye, his smile and dimples, his hard work and dedication, his soft and gentlemanly manner, his firm hand shake, and his bear hugs.

A memorial service will be held in the Valley Chapel at Mountain View Cemetery on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. -4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW in Lakewood followed by a reception at Oakbrook Country Golf and Country Club – 8102 Zircon Dr. SW, Lakewood.