Obituary

Right Worshipful James Howard Crowder, 77, of Mechanicsville, VA died May 26, 2020 at VCU Hospital. He was the son of the late Herbert G. Crowder, Jr. and Edna S. Crowder. He was also predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Peggy A. Crowder; brother Daniel E. Crowder, Sr.; and grandson Matthew R. Robertson.
Mr. Crowder is survived by his daughters Tamara C. Robertson (Wayne), K. Annette Walker (Bradley), Dawn C. Reese (Mark), and Natalie C. Jarratt (Bryant). Mr. Crowder is also survived by his grandchildren, Joseph Brent Robertson, Sr. (Cheryl), Leonard “Lenny” Robertson (Barbara), Curtis “Curt” Robertson (Beth), Lamont Williams (Kena), Ashley Burks (Shawn), Bradley James Walker, David M. Crowder (Amanda), Bryan Reese (Rachel), Holly Reese (Josh), Brianna Miller (Chris), Brandon Pardoe (Ashley), Leslie Speegle (Brian), and Bryant Jarratt, Jr. (Ammie); along with numerous great-grandchildren and several cousins.
Mr. Crowder was a past District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District #29 and past Master of Virginia Masonic Lodge #177 in Claremont, VA. He was a member of Masonic Tuckahoe Lodge #347 and a lifetime member of Masonic Lodge #177 in Clarement, VA. He was also a member of Acca Shriners of Shriners International and was known as Noble James “Wagon Master” Crowder.
Mr. Crowder worked in construction and for Virginia Highway Department. He later worked as a tractor trailer driver for many years, driving for Paracrete Concrete Pipe & Products, Allen Transport, Adamson Tanks, Allied, Highway, and Great Coastal. He retired from Great Coastal logging over 5 million miles throughout his career. He volunteered with Hospice for 6 years. He also enjoyed transporting children to the Shriner Hospitals in Cincinnati, OH, Philadelphia, PA, Greenville, SC, and Lexington, KY, during which he made 368 trips for a total of 292,615 miles driven in support of Shriner children.
Mr. Crowder was a Christian and knew when he left this life he would meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A Masonic graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 29, 2020 at Signal Hill Memorial Park 12360 Hanover Courthouse Rd. Hanover, VA 23069. In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions can be made to ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Billy Graham Evangelistic Association 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201.