Jim Crocker

James Joseph Crocker, 91, of Liberty, MO passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on September 14, 2026.

He was born on August 10, 1935, to Arthur J. and Celestine Mary (Ryan) Crocker in Broken Bow, NE. Jim grew up in Maryville, MO and in 1953 graduated from Horace Mann High School in Maryville, MO. Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Korea.

On August 8, 1959, Jim married the love of his life Mary Ellen Runde. Together they built a beautiful life and raised their family. They lived in Kansas City, Liberty, Smithville and Kearney. In 2017, they moved back to Liberty, MO.

Jim worked for the United States Postal Service and retired after 34 years as the Postmaster of the Smithville Post Office. He enjoyed spending time on his farm, collecting tractors and attending tractor shows and parades. He enjoyed buying and selling classic cars and could often be found with a good book in his hands. Jim and Mary loved to square dance, travel and spending their winters in Arizona. Above all else, Jim treasured his family and friends. He was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved, sharing stories, laughter and memories that will remain with his family for generations to come. He was a hardworking, humble, kind, and faithful man who will be dearly missed.

He was a member of the Church of the Annunciation in Kearney and the Kiwanas in Smithville.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Sally Crocker; his brother Bob Crocker; and his sisters Donna Frueh and Mary “Brook” Crocker.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Mary Crocker; his children Linda (Jerry) McCormick, Pamela (Rick) Walters-Kleb, Lisa (Anthony) Day, Jerry (Natalie) Crocker and Rhonda Coffelt; his grandchildren Melissa, Matthew (Nikki), Melody (Dan), Brett (Julie), Jake, Justin (Brianna), Rebecca, James (Jazmin), Jeremy, Jessica (Adam), Adalynn, Gabriel, Jordyn, and Garret; his great-grandchildren Andi, Dylan, Demri, Dawson, Donovan, Devan, Emily, Nolan, Reagan, Ryan, Ryleigh, Mason, Jackson, Jameson, Marlena, and Reese; his sister Betty Potter; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. all Saturday, September 19th at the Church of the Annunciation 701 Jefferson St. Kearney, MO 64060.
Burial with Military Honors will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19th at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Maryville, MO.

PLEASE BE AWARE OF ROAD CLOSURES DUE TO THE JESSE JAMES FESTIVAL IN KEARNEY