James (Jimmy) Crotty, age 95, of South Wayne passed away peacefully on Saturday June 6, 2026, at his home in South Wayne. He was born on March 18, 1931 at the family farm in South Wayne, to Frank and Blanche (Curran) Crotty. He graduated from South Wayne High School in 1948. His father died when he was 18 years old. He took on the responsibility of helping his mother raise his 6 younger siblings and run the family farm. He worked side by side with his brother John. Jimmy was united in marriage to the love of his life, JoAnne Black, on June 15, 1955. Together they raised three children, Cathy, Kevin and Tim. When he wasn’t farming, he enjoyed playing Slow Pitch in the summer. He was a known fan of sporting events at the South Wayne /Black Hawk High School and Shullsburg. He was very proud of his sons playing football, basketball and baseball. He had very close relationships with his 7 sisters and 2 brothers. They enjoyed getting together on Sundays to eat, visit and do lots of laughing. He took over his brother Francis’s Insurance Agent duties at Darlington Mutual in 1988. He worked as an agent for 17 years, retiring in 2005. After living on the farm for 42 years Jimmy and JoAnne moved to the Village of South Wayne in 1997. After retiring from the farm, he spent his days assisting his nephew, Todd in construction. He enjoyed meeting and visiting with the customers each day. We will be forever thankful to Todd for allowing him to join him every day. It gave him a real purpose in life. He was a devoted grandfather and rarely missed his grandchildren’s school events. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church. After going to church on Sundays, he looked forward to going to lunch with Mom at Culvers. He loved to tell a good joke. His quick wit and humor will be greatly missed.
Jimmy is survived by his children, Cathy (David) Komprood, Tim (Rita) Crotty, grandchildren Nicholas (Nikki) Komprood, Ryan Komprood, Calli (Jimmy) Plooster, Justin (Tiffany) Crotty and Connor (Jenna) Crotty. 13 Great Grandchildren, Griffin, Hudson and Bristol Komprood, Evan Komprood, Parker, Paige, Pierce, and Paxton Plooster, JJ, Cameron and Olivia Crotty, Ellie and Carter Crotty. Sister Polly (Bernie) Whalen, In-laws, Roger Zimmerman Jane Crotty Shirley McConnell and Mary McDonald.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife JoAnne, his son Kevin Crotty, his parents, mother and father-in-law, Dotson and Ella (Winn) Black, brothers Francis (Eileen) Crotty, John Crotty, sisters Anna Mae (Bob) McDonald, Betty (Art) Blum, Theresa (Roy) Figi, Joanie (Ray) Figi, Dorothy (Dale) Meyers, Jean Zimmerman. In-laws, Ronnie (Pat) Black, William McConnell, Jerry McDonald, Betty (Albert) Binau, Jean (Donald) Parquet.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Catholic Church in South Wayne with Father William Vernon as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Gratiot.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shgfuneralhome.net.
Due to the loving and compassionate care of Joanna’s Home Care girls, Mom and Dad were able to stay in their own home until the end of their journey on earth. Mom and Dad were so grateful for their kindness, compassion and homemade pies.
