Jim Crowley is remembered four years after his death for his dedication to the town of Scarborough. Courtesy photo
Many of our residents in town have strong roots in Scarborough with decades and generations of family ties. Our Scarborough town staff mirrors this, too, with some workers dedicating themselves to our municipality for 20, 30, 40 years or more. This month, on the fourth anniversary of his passing, we’re honoring the legacy of Jim Crowley, who dedicated 50 years of service to the town where he grew up and raised a family.
Jim worked for the Public Works Department for the full tenure of his service, beginning his career in 1967 after serving in the National Guard. He first started as a driver with a set plow run and in the 1980s transitioned into operating a loader with a wing and blade. He was very proud to have worked for Scarborough Public Works for half a century and took great pride in operating his loader over the years.
Jim’s skill set was a true asset to the town. His ability to operate all types of equipment such as loader/backhoes and excavators allowed the Public Works Department to carry out a lot of work very cost effectively. He had an eye for figuring grade and elevation and his field adjustments to a project often made the end product work better than originally designed.
There were many times that Jim’s relationships with residents and his memory of past projects saved me when I became director. Oftentimes after our morning dispatch, Jim would wander in and say something like “Are you sure you really want to do that Mike?” Jim would give me the background and history of why something was the way it was. Like Paul Harvey, he knew “the rest of the story!”
Public Works is its own type of profession. There were a lot of people, myself included, that came from a construction background and figured this was going to be similar. Jim knew better and was oftentimes a mentor to new hires, showing them the ropes. He would offer encouragement during snow storms that entered and went past the 48th hour. He would take you aside and say something like, “the next time you plow this street, try doing it this way and it will save you time.” Jim wasn’t assuming it would save time; he knew it would because he had plowed it at some point in his career.
I miss Jim’s combination of no nonsense attitude and quick wit. He knew when to get down to business but also when a well-placed funny comment could do more to ease tension than anything else would. Jimmy considered all his coworkers and colleagues as good friends. He was such a wonderful man and is missed each and every day by those who had the privilege to come into the orbit of his life.
Jim was a lifelong resident of Scarborough and enjoyed serving the residents of the town where he grew up and raised his family. He loved being with family, friends, and his cats. He enjoyed traveling in his RV to NASCAR races, camping, fishing, and nature. Jim’s plans always included his wife Darlene. They were inseparable and my conversations with Jim gave me the sense they were best friends who always had each other’s back.
Jim passed away peacefully on Jan. 27, 2017, 19 months after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Four years after his passing, he is remembered by his coworkers as a man who influenced daily operations at Public Works simply by demonstrating strength of character and purpose. Jim led by example and was someone who you could take at his word and trust. You might not like what Jim had to say but it was always in the interest of building up than tearing down. When someone works for Scarborough for that length of time, it does not go unnoticed. Jim Crowley will be remembered in the town for years to come for his dedication, pride in his work, and honor to his family.
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