James A. Crowell, “Jersey Jim,” 82, of Port Charlotte, FL, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, at Tidewell Hospice, Port Charlotte, FL.

Born in Newark, NJ, on Nov. 28, 1931, James was a U.S. Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient of the Korean War. He retired early from Ford Motor Co. as an auto worker, and moved to Port Charlotte from Little Falls, NJ in 1994. He was an officer and very active member of VFW Post 5690, and the American Legion Post 110, both located in Port Charlotte, and had a lifetime membership at the Riverside Vets in Hawthorne, NJ; he leaves behind many cherished friends.

He is survived by his five children; daughter Cynthia Rec, and sons Thomas, James, David, and Michael, and seven grandchildren; four step-children, Michael, Janet, David, and Patricia, and seven step-grandchildren; a brother Edward, a sister Dolores Wittschiebe, nieces and nephews. James was predeceased by his beloved wife of 18 years, Amelia “Patricia” M. Crowell, his father James, mother Catherine (Madden), and sister Mary Leach.

A Committal Service with Military Honors by the U.S. Army and American Legion Post 110 will be held 10:30 A.M. Friday, February 21, 2014 at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL. A celebration of his life will follow at VFW Post 5690.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to the V.F.W. Buddy Program or Tidwell Hospice in Port Charlotte.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.