James "Jimbo" Crabtree

James A. "Jimbo" Crabtree, 87, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on August 28, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

Jimbo enjoyed camping on Chilhowee Mountain and at Harrison Bay State Park with his family and friends while being a loyal and faithful supporter of the Polk County Wildcats.  Throughout life, he spent time laboring as a chicken farmer, dedicating his service with the Polk County Department of Education as bus driver, and school custodian and was an employee for Brown Stove.  Jimbo was of the Baptist faith and a friend to many whiles being loved dearly by each that had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Jeanie Lynn Benton; parents, James L., and Elsie Barker Crabtree; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Byran J. and Marie Passmore Beard; siblings, Tom (Ruth) Crabtree, Henry Crabtree, Joe Crabtree, Georgia Bell (Charles) Waldroup, Charlie (Curtistine) Crabtree, and Stella (Virgil) Clark.

Left to cherish the many memories include his beloved wife of 65 years, Janice Beard Crabtree; adored grandson, Terry (TR) Stone; sisters-in-law, Maggie Crabtree, and Millie Crabtree.  Several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home, with Pastor, Dr. Richard Mason officiating.  Interment will follow at Benton Town Cemetery, with Leonard Waldroup, Kenneth “Bige” Beard, Jack Beard, Tony Beard, Donald Ray Crabtree, Robert Benton, and Keegan Freeman serving as pallbearers.

Family and friends will gather from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.