James Leo Crowley, 87, Fairport, NY, died suddenly April 23, 2025.
Jim was born June 26, 1937 to Helen Ryan Crowley and Leo James Crowley. He grew up in Macedon, NY and his winters were spent in Florida, where he and his brother Hugh enjoyed watching Spring Training games. Jim was an athlete and played both baseball and basketball in high school. He graduated from Palmyra-Macedon High School in 1955. He earned a degree in Business from St. Bonaventure University in 1959. After graduation, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
Jim met his loving wife, Elizabeth ‘Biz’ Turner in high school and they married in 1961. Jim and Biz eventually settled in Fairport, NY where they raised their four children. Family life was filled with the children’s sports and activities and travel.
Following his military service, Jim began a career in Finance in Rochester. First at Columbia Bank and then a long career at Rochester Telephone Company, where he made lasting friendships. Jim also served as a Mediator for the New York State Arbitration Board.
Catholic Faith and Community Service were a central part of Jim’s life. He served on the Board for Catholic Charities Community Services. After retirement from Rochester Telephone, he returned to serve as the Finance Director at Catholic Charities from 1994-2004. Jim was honored when Catholic Charities named a residential facility in Lyons, NY for his service to the organization. Crowley House is a residential facility for individuals with developmental disabilities. He also served on the Board of Directors of DePaul Community Services and the Finance Committee of St. John of Rochester Catholic Church.
Jim and Biz were blessed with lifelong friendships with whom they enjoyed monthly Movie Club, dinners and travels. For many summers, Jim was involved in two golf leagues. Every March was spent in Vero Beach, FL where Jim, again, enjoyed attending Spring Training practices and family time. To the end, Jim was a sports fan. He won both his NCAA Men’s Basketball bracket and Masters Pool this past month, gaining the nickname “Mr. April”. A horse lover, he enjoyed afternoons at Finger Lakes Race Track and talking to trainers and owners to get tips on the horses.
Jim always put others first and will be remembered for his warm hugs, thoughtful words, big blue eyes, dapper style and the smell of his cologne.
He is predeceased by his parents and daughter Mary Kathryn. Jim is survived by Elizabeth, his best pal and wife of 63 years, his older brother Hugh Crowley, daughters Lisa (William) Becker of Vero Beach, FL, Karin (Jack) Stich, son James (Jennifer) Crowley, Jr. both of Fairport, NY and son-in-law James McCune. Nine grandchildren; Amanda Fraser, William Becker, Jr., Matthew Becker, Emily Yates, Molly Chambery, Michael Allen, Ava McCune, Robert Crowley, Andrew Crowley as well as three great-grandchildren.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. John of Rochester Catholic Church, Fairport, NY on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. The Mass will also be livestreamed at https://stjohnfairport.org/streaming. A celebration of Jim’s life will follow.
Donations in Jim’s honor may be made to Catholic Charities Services of Rochester, NY. www.fcscharities.org.
22 responses to “Crowley, James Leo”
Dear Crowley family, my sincere condolences in deepest sympathies. We’ve spent many years growing up in the same neighborhood and have fun memories.
I am so sorry for the passing of your father. May the loving arms of our Lord hold you dear and comfort you during this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Lisa Laurro.
to the Crowley family my deepest sympathy for your loss. I will always cherish the wonderful memories I had with Jim since the 1970’s until 2025.May our Lord welcome him and assign him to the sports area..
So very sorry to all The Crowleys. Times spent at the house in high school he was always smiling and those blue eyes! Very kind man and my heart breaks for you all.
Pam
Our deepest sympathies to all the family on the sad news of Jims passing. He was such a kind neighbor, friendly, always smiling, and beautiful blue eyes! He will be missed by family & friends. You will be in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time.
A. Great man and good friend. Jack Balinsky
Our deepest sympathies to the Crowley family your wonderful husband and father was such a great man. Everyone will miss him forever
Karin, sending my sympathy and love to all of you. What a legacy he has left, his beautiful family.
Love, Mrs. Haberer Murphy
I am honored that the path of my life crossed that of Jim’s. I learned much, shared stories wagered on major golf tournaments and laughed together. My thoughts and prayers are wit all of you. Peace
Jim, Jennifer, and Molly…….so very sorry for the loss of your father, father-in- law, and grandfather. May God bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Susan Williams
My deepest condolences to the family. I did a lot of handyman projects for jim, gutter cleaning etc… I mostly enjoyed talking to him about sports and other topics. He was the nicest, kindness, and knowledgeable person I ever met. I will keep the family in my prayers 🙏. Tom Yandow
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Jim for a number of years at Catholic Charities. Jim was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.Kind, thoughtful, considerate, and
Willing to help. His laugh was infectious, his smile ever present. A charming person, loving husband and father, devout Catholic, and consummate professional.Our condolences to Biz and his family on this sad loss. Rest in peace, good friend.
My sincere condolences t0 Biz and family. I was a year ahead of Jim in high school and we enjoyed playing on the same team. He was a super nice person and will be missed. I remember when he would fly down to Atlanta to attend the Braves game on Sundays. His daughter was a flight attendant for eastern Airlines at the time and he flew for free. May he rest in peace.
Jim and I were friends in school and he was in our wedding….”Also spent a fun birthday with him and his family at a Red Wing game in the box at the new stadium. Jim loved his baseball and was an truly all round good and fun loving person. Condolences to you Biz and your family. I know he will be missed by all.
I first met Jim when he served as a board member for Catholic Charities and eventually convinced him to serve as my CFO at Catholic Charities Community Services.He became my dear friend and advisor. We enjoyed debating sports and kept each other up on our families.
I will miss his humor, golf and mostnof all his friendship.
I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim was a year ahead of me in high school where Biz and I were classmates and good friends. Even then, Biz, was hopeful to have a future with Jim. I am so glad her wishes came true. I send my love and prayers to you, Biz, and your wonderful family. Rest in peace, Jim. You were a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
Jim was a member of our Summer golf group (with his brother Hugh) in Rochester the past 10 years and it was always a treat to play with him….I remember once giving Jim a putting tip one day and he sank the next 20 footer…you would think I had given him a priceless gift…a Gentlemen Gentle Man….I will miss him this Summer and Summers to come….Pudge
Mr. C was a wonderful, kind, gentle man. His easy smile and warm demeanor always made it special to be in his company. He will be missed by family and friends alike.
Our prayers and thoughts are with the Crowley family. Shadowmoor Drive was made memorable and special because of the warmth and friendship Jim brought to us.
Van and Sally Cardilli
To the Crowley Family,
Please know how much we appreciated Jim’s brilliance, humility and kindness at Catholic Charities. He was wonderfully supportive of our work in so many ways and his presence was a calming force. Thank you for sharing Jim with our agency.
Wishing you peace and healing in the days ahead.
Biz and family–I’m so sorry for your loss. I will always have fond memories of the annual golf outings and dinners with my dad and his cousins.
Oh Karin! I am so sorry for your sudden loss of your Dad. I see your face looking at that dapper picture—you definitely have your Dad’s smile! My heart hurts for you and your family. We grieve as long as we love. 🙏❤️🩹
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in James’ passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.