James Robert Crockett, 1947-2022, age 75, passed away September 3, 2022, after a long battle with brain cancer. He was born February 27, 1947, in Altus, Oklahoma, to Jack and Benena Faye Crockett. After joining the Army with the 17th Air Calvary and heading off to fight in the Vietnam War, James came home and married his high school sweetheart, Karen Slack Crockett. James went to the University of Oklahoma and graduated with a degree in Architecture. He became an Architect with the National Park Service where he continued furthering his career until he retired after 31 years as the Senior Architect for the NPS. His career spanned over many decades, where he oversaw projects in different states, over different countries and continents. From the Jane Goodall Institute in Tanzania, the Leprosy colony in the remote Kalaupapa peninsula on Hawaii’s island of Moloka’i, to having barbeque with First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson at the Texas White House down on the Pedernales river, and over to the beaches of Normandy where James had the honor of lowering the flag on Veterans Day. James enjoyed sharing the genealogy of the Crocket name, being that Davy Crockett was the 4th great uncle of James’s. He had a passion for sustainability and the history behind every site he visited. James moved with his wife to Montana in 2018 where they found paradise, and to be closer to his daughter.
James is survived by his wife, Karen, daughter, Hillary, and her husband, Mike Marcum, and brother, Jack Crockett and his wife Karen.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at the Wise River Community Center, 65240 Montana Highway 43, Wise River, Montana, 59762. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of James are suggested to Zion National Park at zionpark.org (Please visit this link for more info on donation: https://www.nps.gov/zion/getinvolved/donate.htm ). Zion National Park held a special place for James. It is also a premier project for the National Park Service. James designed a state-of-the-art visitor center fully sustainable which was recognized and earned numerous awards worldwide. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of James. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for James and his family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 14, 2022
Wise River Community Center
65240 Montana Highway 43
Wise River, Montana 59762
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 14, 2022
Wise River Community Center
65240 Montana Highway 43
Wise River, Montana 59762
Rick Cronenberger says
James was a very talented designer, perhaps one of the best in the NPS. His legacy will live on for a very long time.
Debbie and PJ King says
So, so sorry to hear about James! He was a great Architect and a wonderful co-worker and friend. My thoughts are with the family! Dear Karen, we’ll keep it touch! Keep enjoying your paradise…it’s another of James’ beautiful legacy’s!
L.Charles Pettit says
Karen & Family ,
From our family to yours, we send our deepest condolences.
Saddened to hear of James’ passing but take comfort in knowing that he’s in heaven. We both enjoyed our conversations and visits while we were working at the NPS. We talked about his travels and several projects and our service during the Vietnam Era. Happy and a better person from knowing James . Cherished our recent weekly phone conversations , think we both did!
The Bible tells us, “Blessed are the mourners , for they shall be comforted!” You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers! Please keep in touch, when you can!
Peace be with you!
Larry L Reynolds says
James was one the best architects to ever work for the NPS and his contributions to the built environment are significant. His award-winning design at Zion, as well as dozens of other projects, are a testament to his skill as an architect.
We shared many memorable moments on our NPS trips together, the best of which was watching the sun rise on the Grand Canyon during an early morning breakfast at a south rim restaurant.
James also had a mischievous sense of humor. During our weekly staff meetings, he would sit directly across from me, out of sight from the boss, and try to get me to laugh during the more serious moments. He was often successful!
James was a good friend and he will be missed by all that knew him.
My condolences to Karen, Hilary, and their family.
Gary Hurelle says
Worked on a few fun design projects with James as an Architect/Landscape Architect team in the early eighties, when CAD was in the infancy. Naturally, James wanted to stay on the board with his “Crockett 2000” speedy, but still very accurate hand drawing. When we were able to make some simple, 3D, wireframe images of his buildings, it increased his speed even more for perspective drawings, to the point of advancing to the “Crockett 5000″ in James” vernacular. I never worked with a more hard working, conscientious, architect in the NPS. Gary Hurelle
Susan Culpepper says
Karen, Tom and I are heartbroken to hear about James. We have fond memories of great times with you both do many years ago. We send sincere sympathy and a virtual hug.
Love,
Tom and Susan Culpepper