James Crooms

James McCray “Jim” Crooms was born on August 1, 1940 in Beaufort, North Carolina to the Late Romeo Crooms and Annie Wilson Crooms. James “Jim” Crooms, 85, of Beaufort, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at home surrounded by his loving family.

A Time to Grow: He was educated in the Carteret County School System graduating from Queen Street High School in 1959. Jim enlisted in the United States Army in 1960 and served his country for six years. Returning to Beaufort, he worked at the Atlantic Veneer Corp. for a brief period. He later worked upon the Cherry Point Marine Air Corp Base for many years retiring and later returning to work under government contracting work.

A Time to Serve: Jim was baptized as a young man and joined Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a trustee and he sang in the “Disciples of Christ” choir. He became a chartered member of Faith Tabernacle of Praise, Inc in December 1981 where he served as lead deacon, superintendent of Sunday School and the church’s handy man. He was a man of faith, impeccable character and quiet, stern leadership.

A Time to Love: Jim was united in Holy Matrimony to Gloria Murrell Crooms in October, 1960. The couple have been married for more than 65 years. This union created two children and a host of grandchildren. Deacon Jim and Mother Gloria’s house became a safe haven, a place of love, and a place of fellowship. The couple would feed up to 20 people almost every Sunday with Deacon Crooms designated as the official coffee maker.

We will forever cherish his wisdom, his gentle smile, his steadfast character, and the legacy he leaves behind. His influence extends far beyond our family, reaching every life he touched through his service as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, Boy Scout leader, husband, father, US Service Member, Civil Servant, and faithful servant of Christ.

Jim was survived by his wife of 65 years, Gloria Murrell Crooms of Beaufort; daughter, Stephanie Crooms of Beaufort; daughter, Valerie Jones of Beaufort; son, Bishop Donald Crooms and wife, Tia of Cary; son, Rev. Guy Murrell and wife, Lana of Beaufort; children of the heart, Billy and Cindy Walker of Garner; Deidre Tyler of Zebulon, NC; nine grandchildren: Donald Crooms Jr., David Crooms, Charles Nolon, Leandro Crooms, Angelo Nolon, LeVar Crooms, Collin Crooms, Elliott Crooms, Caden Crooms; a grandson of the heart, Derell Davis; a granddaughter of the heart, Beda Ward Johnson; and a host of great and great great grandchildren; sister, Amy Johnson Turner and husband, Alton of Beaufort; brother, Odell Crooms and wife, Denise of Beaufort; two brother-in-laws: Jerry Murrell (Faith), Larry Murrell (Marion); three sister-in-laws: Margaret Simmons, Mamie Harvey (Ervin), Emma Murrell; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Romeo and Annie Crooms; several siblings; and his wife’s parents, Frank and Rose Murrell.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.