Dr. James Lee Crosier

Dr. James (Jim) Lee Crosier passed away September 26, 2022. Jim was born on January 23, 1935, to W. M. and Letty Crosier, in South Zanesville, Ohio. In 1939, the family moved to Ruskin, Florida, as immigrant laborers. Thereafter, Jim and his parents moved back to Avondale, Ohio, where they started a dairy farm and worked there for many years. When Jim was in the seventh (7th) grade the family returned to Ruskin, Florida, where he spent the remainder of his childhood. He was in the graduating class of 1952 at Wimauma High School, Wimauma, Florida. During his high school years, he participated in 11 varsity sports, and was the Valedictorian of his graduating class. He was both athletic and very smart. Following high school, Jim attended the University of Florida on a track scholarship and became Co-Captain of the track team. For three years, Jim was the Southeastern Conference Champion in the quarter-mile run. In honor of his successful track career, Jim was later inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame for track. While at the University of Florida, Jim obtained both an undergraduate and a master's degree in Education. He later earned his Ph.D. in Education from New York University. Through his entire life, Jim remained a die-hard Gator Fan, and continued contact with all of his track friends from his college days. Jim was loved and respected by everyone who met him. He was a kind and gentle man, influencing so many in a positive way. Jim enjoyed a wonderful career, beginning with teaching at Plant High School, where he coached both track and football. He later held the position of Safety Director for City Service Oil in the Agriculture Division, in Ruskin, Florida. Following his time with City Service Oil, Jim was a Professor in Industrial Safety at Illinois State University in Bloomington Normal, Illinois. The remainder of his career was spent at the Florida Department of Education, where he worked from 1973 until he retired in 1997. He was honored as both the Employee of the Year and Supervisor of the Year during his time there. Jim was a true family man. He believed his greatest accomplishment was that he raised two fine men, Kevin and Eric. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill, and the mother of his sons, Kathy, who passed away unexpectedly. Thankfully, Jim later found love again and was blessed with many wonderful years with his wife, Debbie. When he wasn't working, Jim loved spending time with his family. He liked to garden, cook, travel, and to "piddle" around. He absolutely loved to fish and enjoyed his time at Alligator Point, Live Oak Island and Crescent Beach. Jim is survived by his wife Deborah Jean Crosier; his sons Kevin (Martha) and Eric (Barbara); four grandchildren, Casey Wood, Carly McNiel (David), Cameron Fisher and Courtney Fisher Behar (Ilan) and two great grandchildren, Audrey Elizabeth Wood and Cooper Michael Fisher. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Mildred Johnson, sister-in-law, Diane Conrad (Gene), brothers-in-law, Dennis, Donnie, Dusty (Marie) and Bugsy (Rise), and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Jim to Big Bend Hospice. Jim loved the following quote by Omar Khayyam, "The moving finger writes; and, having writ, moves on: Nor all thy piety nor wit shall lure it back to cancel half a line, nor all thy tears wash out a word of it." A Celebration of Jim's life will be held Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 10:00 am. in the Conference Room on the Second Floor, at Tallahassee Centre, 215 West College Avenue, Tallahassee. Parking is available at the Kleman Plaza Parking Garage. The family is being assisted by James Sircy and Jackie Fulford of Young Fulford Funeral Home and Crematory, Tallahassee, FL. 850.610.4444

Dr. James Lee Crosier

January 23, 1935 - September 26, 2022