First Sgt (Ret.) James E. Crocker

First Sgt. (Ret.) James E. Crocker, 66, peacefully transitioned on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Sentara Careplex Hospital in Hampton, Virginia. He was born on February 1, 1959, in Hampton, Virginia, to the late Seymour Crocker, Sr. and Mary B. Crocker. 

James was educated in the Hampton Public School System and graduated from Bethel High School in 1977. He proudly served 26 years in the United States Army. After retiring from the Army, he continued his dedication to service as a Foreman of Huntington Ingalls Industries in department 043 for 22 years, until his illness. 

James was known for his exceptional grilling skills. No matter the season, he never hesitated to pull out his big grill and smoker. Whether it was a family gathering, a holiday meal, or simply because someone had a taste for brisket, he was always ready to fire it up. He took great joy in feeding his family, friends, and the many individuals who worked alongside him.

James was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Seymour Crocker, Sr. and Mary B. Crocker; stepmother Gertrude Y. Crocker, mother-in-law Nelly Go; grandparents James P. Crocker, Mary Winfield Crocker, Nannie Watts, Elizabeth W. Winston; and his brothers David Crocker, Seymour Crocker, Jr., and Robert Crocker. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 21 years, Mary Ann Crocker; his daughter, Miriam Crocker; two brothers, Mark Crocker and Johnny Crocker (Debbie Hayden); five sisters, Elizabeth Crocker,  Mary Lesane (Robert), Gwendolyn Woods (Leonard),Alice Parker (Clifton), and Annette Crocker; two step sisters Glenda Gills and Loris Warren, one step brother Leonard Yarbrough, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends Michael “Calvin” Harris, Denise Tonkins, and Emma Johnson. 

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It is the desire of the Crocker family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of First Sgt (Ret.) James E. Crocker has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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