James Lee Crutcher

James Lee Crutcher April 29 th , 1931 – November 14 th , 2010.

Jim Crutcher was an educator, counselor, mentor, and friend to thousands of middle school students who attended the Arcade and San Juan Unified School Districts. Preceding his 34-year education career, he served in the U. S. Coast Guard.

After attending Modesto Junior College and graduating from California State University,
Sacramento., he settled in Carmichael with his family and began his teaching career. Jim had a
profound way with young people and they never forgot his classroom and life philosophies and
his ability to make each student feel that he or she was a special person. Former students
contacted him throughout all the years of his career, and after his retirement in 1991, including
the last days of his life on this earth.

Jim grew up in Modesto, CA, and was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lula Crutcher, and his son, Jon, whose untimely death plagued him for his remaining days. His family mourns his loss: his wife Signa of 59 years; his sons: Robert, David and Scott; his daughter in-law Linda Crutcher; his grandchildren Lester and Joni Crutcher and David and Derald Dreager; his brothers, Tom (Marvine) and Kenneth (Loraine) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim’s love of art and excitement found expression in pottery, sculpting, clockmaking, leatherwork, boating, flying and sky diving. Jim was born on April 29, 1931, and left his earthly body on November 14, 2010. A staunch agnostic for most of his life, he found in his last days that he was ready to set aside “logic” and embrace the love of God.

In accordance with his wishes, there was no formal funeral service. His cremains and those of his
wife Signa were placed in a comingled grave in the Fair Oaks Cemetery on Olive St. in Fair
Oaks, CA.