James “Jim”/”Pap” Alexander Crossley Sr., 89, of Shippensburg (formerly of Toronto, OH), passed away in the early morning hours on January 4, 2025, at Chambers Pointe Health Center at Menno Haven from a broken heart, after losing his loving wife of 68 years just 4 months prior.

He was born October 20, 1935, in Steubenville, Ohio, to the late Lawrence and Jean (Anderson) Crossley. Coming from a large family, he was the second oldest in a family of 9 brothers and sisters. Growing up, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers and was known as an anchor and a big brother to his sisters. Through his sisters, he was introduced to the love of his life, Julia (Julie) Elizabeth Morrison. After a brief courtship, they were married on April 9, 1956, in Winchester, Virginia. Through this union and over their lifetime, Jim and Julie would have two children, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Known as “Pap” by most, he loved being surrounded by his family and was an excellent storyteller. Pap loved the outdoors and would share this love through gardening, pruning, or just sitting on the porch watching wildlife, especially squirrels and deer. He also had a lot of knowledge about cars and was the first to call for advice regarding any of our vehicles. He’d quickly toss up the hood, check the fluids, and begin tinkering to find the solution to our problem.

With all his time outdoors, you’d often find him sporting his specific “Pap hats” during each season. Winter hats in the cold season and his straw hats and sunglasses in the warmer months. If he wasn’t outside, you’d find him inside watching hockey or football, especially the Pittsburgh Penguins or the Cleveland Browns. He also loved to sketch & draw, sometimes even just using random pieces of paper or cardboard when inspired. Pap was naturally curious, playful, artistic, and creative.

He is so missed by all who love him, but we all find comfort in knowing his grieving heart is no longer suffering, and he and his sweetie, our “Nan and Pap,” are now reunited in eternal love. In Pap’s honor, we’ll carry on his love by noticing the small things, embracing nature & enjoying any dessert that involves peanut butter and chocolate.

Jim retired from Weirton Steel Corporation, where he was employed in the coke plant and blast furnace areas.

He is survived by his daughter, Katherine Jean Crossley Merideth; daughter-in-law, Susan Mularski Crossley; five grandchildren, Jessica Merideth (Chris Shane) of Biglerville, PA, Sean Crossley of Oakdale, PA, Heather Crossley Smee (Ben Smee) of Mt. Lebanon, PA, Brian Crossley (Kasey Walls) of McDonald, PA, and Hunter Merideth of Shippensburg, PA, nine great-grandchildren Landon, Harper, and Emma Shane, Margaret, Lauren, and Anne Smee, and Tessa, James, and Casey Crossley, brother William (Tina) Crossley of Weirton, WV, sisters Janice (Lewie) Janos of Las Vegas, NV, & Linda (Michael) Savastone of Rayland, OH.

Jim is predeceased by his beloved wife, parents, son James Crossley Jr., son-in-law Robert Merideth, daughter-in-law Lauren Hollister Crossley, brothers Ronald, Robert, Richard, and Lawrence “Larry” Crossley, & sister Joyce Shay.

Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville, Ohio 43953, on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 5 – 7 p.m. Additional visitation on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. with Pastor Douglas Shoaff officiating. Burial will be at Island Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation in James memory to American Heart Association PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or to Menno Haven-Development Services 300 Ridgeview, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or https://mennohaven.org/give/