Roll Call Tribute

James Brittain "Jim" Crowell, Jr. 

April 17, 1928 - June 14, 2024 

Dr. James Brittain Crowell, Jr., 96, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024. He was born on April 17, 1928, in Riverside, California, the son of the late Mr. James Brittain Crowell, Sr. and the late Mrs. Annie Ruth Derryberry Crowell.

Jim, a man of many accomplishments, was raised in Shelbyville, Tennessee. He was the Valedictorian of Bedford County High School's 1946 graduating class. After high school, he followed his father and grandfather in studying law at Tennessee Polytechnic Institute in Crossville, Tennessee, for two years. However, when his congressman offered him a principal appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, Jim accepted this appointment and attended from 1948 until his graduation in 1952. Upon graduating, Midshipmen were given the option of entering the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant instead of going into the Navy. With his love for flying, Jim chose the Air Force and became a Jet Fighter Pilot instructor.

While stationed at San Marcos Air Force Base, Jim's life took a beautiful turn. He attended a Baptist Church, where he met the love of his life, Ann Smith. The two were married on June 26, 1954, marking the beginning of an almost 70-year partnership filled with love and support.

Together, the two attended Columbia Bible College in Columbia, South Carolina. As a student, Jim was asked to teach a science lab, and the professor told him that he believed God had given him the gift of teaching. Jim enrolled in the University of South Carolina, where he earned his Master's in math, leading him to become a math instructor at the University of West Georgia in 1959. In 1971, he completed work for his Doctorate in statistics from Texas A&M University and loved passing on his knowledge to his students. While at the University of West Georgia, Dr. Crowell enjoyed the relationships he built with his students. He was the faculty sponsor for the Campus Crusade for Christ, which was active on campus in the 1960s and 70s. Dr. Crowell retired from the University in 1984.

Jim was a man of many talents. He was a builder, building everything from model airplanes to baby furniture to the home he shared with Ann. During his retirement, Jim took several art courses and made beautiful artwork ranging from stained glass to pottery and watercolor paintings. Additionally, he had a passion for gardening, which he got from his father, and took pride in raising his own vegetables that he could share with his friends and family.

Jim's love for his family and faith in Jesus Christ were the most significant aspects of his life. Since Jim and Ann married in 1954, they have enjoyed couples Bible studies until recent years. Jim's strong faith made him a spiritual leader and a source of inspiration for those around him.

Jim leaves behind his wife, Ann Smith Crowell; his daughters & son-in-law, Jennifer & Monty Spena and Ruth Crowell; grandchildren, Brittany Anderson, James Spena, Logan Spena, and Mary Esta Sherrer; and twelve great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Crowell Walker.

A funeral service will be held to honor and celebrate Dr. Crowell’s life on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of Martin & Hightower Funeral Home, with Rev. Terry Harper and Pastor Woznicki officiating. Interment will be in the Hollywood Cemetery in Wartrace, Tennessee. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, June 24, 2024, from 10:00 AM to the hour of service.

Condolence messages can be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com.  Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.