James Edward Crossley, Sr. began his earthly journey on Thursday, August 16, 1951, in Benton, AR when he was born the son of John A. Crossley, Sr. and Alice Marie Mauldin Crossley.  They preceded him in death as well as his siblings, John A. Crossley, Jr. (Delois), Lee Crossley (Sonjanette), and Gwendolyn Norris; his father and mother-in-love, Henderson and Dodie Nevels.  James answered the voice of the Lord on Monday, May 4, 2020, and his journey on this earth came to an end.

James was raised in Benton and was a 1967 graduate of Ralph Bunche High School.  He was a former member of St. Paul Baptist Church, Benton, AR. He served his country in the United States Army from July 7, 1974, and received an honorable discharge on April 12, 1976.

On February 6, 1970, James took Joyce Gwendolyn McClelland to be his wife, and their union was blessed with two wonderful children, James Edward, Jr., and Jacquelyn "Shawn" Crossley.  On April 20, 2006, he married Natalie Nevels and he accepted her children as his own.

James was not one to sit idle.  He retired from Lucent Technology (Southwestern Bell) due to an on the job accident.  James was a Minister of Music.  He was a lover of music of all kinds.  He served as a musician for Macedonia Baptist Church, Mt. Pine, as well as many others where ever his gift made room for him.  He was currently the musician for Cottrell Chapel C.M.E. Church, Hot Springs.  James loved to cook, he loved children, and especially his family. James received several certificates during his lifetime, mainly in culinary, and upholstery.

James will be remembered by his wife, Natalie Crossley of Hot Springs; his son and daughter, James Edward Crossley, Jr. (Tabitha) of Hot Springs, Jacquelyn "Shawn" Rochell of Memphis, TN, and their children, Jacolby Crossley, Eisenhower Braylen Rochell, Elijah Jordan Rochell, Terrance Crossley, Miranda Moore, Isabella, Eriel, and Alexandria Huff; his sons, Gregory Mackintrush of AR, and Justin Crossley and his daughter, Journe'e Lilly Rose of CA; his daugher, Jasmine Crossley of El Dorado, and her daughter, Londynn; his siblings, Rev. Donald R. Crossley, Sr. (Kathryn) of Hot Springs, Debra McDaniel of Sherwood, and Michael Crossley of Benton; the children of his wife, Teressa Nevels, Jermaine Jerome Nevels, Sr. and Durrell (Lindsey) Nevels, and their children, Jermaine Jerome Nevels, Jr.,  Makaylen Nevels, Savanah Nevels, Dylan Vermeeren, and Kaleighia Nelson;  his former wife, Joyce Crossely of Little Rock; a host of nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in-love and his extended family and friends. James loved his dogs and cat, Tinka and Gizzmo, and Lil Bit. He will be missed by many near and far.

Graveside services will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, May 8, 2020, at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 West Maryland Ave, North Little Rock, AR with Rev. Donald R. Crossley, Sr. officiating.  Open walk-through visitation will be held Thursday, May 7, 2020, from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the funeral home.  All COVID-19 rules and regulations must be followed.

The guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com .

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.