James Allen Croft, 79, of Ledbetter, died Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center.
Jim was born in Salem, Kentucky on May 18, 1938 to Nathan Isadore Croft and Carnella James Croft. He was a 1956 graduate of Salem High School. He served for six years in the United States Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Jim received his education from Western Michigan University and Governors State University. As a civil engineer, he worked for Illinois Central Railroad in both Paducah and Chicago before retiring from Allied Tube and Conduit based in Harvey, Illinois. He was a longtime and dedicated member of Ohio Valley Baptist Church where he was instrumental in organizing their food ministry. In addition, he served as a historian for the Western branch of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. After retirement, Jim became skilled in clock repair and enjoyed golfing with his friends. While his children were younger, he enjoyed planning the yearly family vacation and their extensive travel and camping throughout the United States.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce Shumaker Croft; children, David (Kathy) Croft of Lone Oak and Kimberly (Jerry) Meyer of Lexington, Kentucky; grandchildren, Alex (Cullen) Croft, Andrew Croft, Clara Meyer and Catherine Meyer; great-granddaughter, Hathaway James Croft; and his beloved dog, Buster.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 18, 2018 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Terry Mitcheson officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Ledbetter.
Visitation will begin at noon on Sunday at the funeral home.
Contributions may be made to Ohio Valley Baptist Church c/o Food Ministry, 1521 US-60, Ledbetter, Kentucky 42058.
You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.milnerandorr.com.
