James Daniel "Jim" Crownover

James Daniel "Jim" Crownover, 80, of Elm Springs, Ark., left his earthly home on February 4, 2022. Though Jim will be deeply missed by his friends and family, he leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful memories, a testament to a life well lived; a race well run. Jim was born June 22, 1941, to J.V. and Mary Crownover. Jim grew up in Clinton, Arkansas, where he was active in his school and church, and enjoyed hiking and camping on the Little Red. He graduated High School from Clinton High in 1959. On June 9, 1963, he married the love of his life, Carol Dotson. Jim worked his way through college and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1966 with a Civil Engineering Degree. Jim was commissioned an officer in the United States Air Force in 1967 and lived out his childhood dream of becoming a pilot. Jim was private about his service, and would not tell you that he flew over 146 missions over Souteast Asia, and earned the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross, "just doing his part, what anyone else would have done". After the service Jim moved his family back home to Arkansas and started his second career as a Civil Engineer. Jim worked for Ozark's Electric for 30 years. His small town roots compelled him to be active in his church and community. Jim came to know Christ early in his life and was ordained as a deacon in 1962. Jim was an active member of First Baptist Church Springdale, where he loved investing in young lives. Jim retired in 2004 to spend more time with his family, pouring countless hours of love, character, and wisdom into his grandchildren. Jim enjoyed traveling, mostly in historic rural areas, and sharing his love of history with the family. Shortly after retiring, Jim embarked on his third career as a writer. Jim liked to tell the lesser stories of life, salted with historical events, to weave together a historical fiction tale so alive that it is hard to say they were all fictional. Much like his own life Jim's stories told of the everyday action of individuals, that when put together with faith, courage and character, propelled the individuals to live out a life bigger than themselves. Jim authored 11 books in total while in retirement. Jim would not tell you that he won two Golden Spurs for his first book. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Byron Crownover, grandparents, William Daniel and Pearl Crownover, and Charles Archie and Wilhelmina "Minnie" Melton. He is survived by his wife, Carol of the home, son, Joel Crownover, son, Brian and Kristine Crownover, grand-daughter, Megan Crownover, grandson, James Daniel Crownover, brother, William "Bill" and Nina Crownover, brother, Randall and Katty Crownover, sister, Linda Crownover, and sister Ginger and Paul Spendley, numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 19, at 10 a.m., in the Chapel at Cross Church Springdale. Memorial Donations can be made in his name to the Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark., 72762.