James Crowe

James W. Crowe, 75, of Bloomington passed away Wednesday at Bloomington Hospital. He was born in Huntertown, IN to Arthur and Ruth ((Decker) Crowe on June 27, 1934. James was married on November 27, 1954 to Barbara J. Jones. Dr. James W. Crowe was a “born educator.” His whole professional career has been devoted to education and he has been described as an outstanding college professor and devoted mentor to his students. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University, his Master of Science degree from the University of Florida, and the Director’s degree in Health and Safety and Doctor of Education degree from Indiana University. He began his teaching career in Indiana, teaching and coaching, both at the junior high and high school levels. He was recruited to Indiana University in 1966 to teach in the area of health and safety education. He has distinguished himself through his commitment and devotion to teaching at Indiana University which has spanned over three decades. He is the recipient of an Indiana University Distinguished Teaching Award. Simply said, students and teaching have always been foremost in his professional career. One of his colleagues remarked that “His humanitarian focus and compassionate attitude have helped guide many young people in pursuit of a future career.” In addition to his service contributions to Indiana University, he has served the profession with distinction. These efforts have been recognized with the C.P. Yost Distinguished Service Award and the Distinguished Scholar Award, both awarded by the School and Community Safety Society of America. He served this association for a number of years, including a term as President, and an extended term on the Board of Directors. He was also active in numerous other safety and health education organizations. In addition, he was recognized by his alma mater, University of Florida, “for his distinguished career in health and safety education.” Beyond the classroom, he has contributed to the nation’s health through his professional research in Driver Education, Smoking, and School Health Education. In fact, his research focused on health issues for youth and resulted in international presentations in China, Thailand, Japan, Egypt, Greece and Iran. The capstone of his professional career was his appointment as Chairperson of the Department of Applied Health Science in the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. He served as Chairperson from July 1, 1992 through June 30, 1999. Jim brought national recognition to his department, humor, wisdom and knowledge to his many students, and a real concern for the health of the young to his nation and world. Under his leadership, he provided travel support to a number of aspiring students, both undergraduate and graduate, to attend professional conferences. In particular, he provided support to a number of Eta Sigma Gamma student members so they could attend national conferences. Jim has been a role model, health and safety educator, mentor, scholar, and most of all, a caring human being. He is survived by his wife Barbara Crowe; son Michael Crowe (Beth); daughter Monica Black all of Bloomington; five grandchildren Jacob, Jordan, and Jeremy Black and Lesley and Ryan Crowe; brother Paul Crowe and sister Nancy Crowe. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Eric Crowe. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul’s Catholic Center, with Father Robert Keller officiating. Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church. Private burial will be held on Monday at Eel River Cemetery in Churubusco, IN. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the James W. Crowe Scholarship Fund or Bloomington Hospital Foundation.

Tributes

James Crowe

June 27, 1934 - April 21, 2010