James Todd Croy

James Todd Croy, age 56, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at his residence.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 3:00 PM CST at Heritage Funeral Home with Rick Points officiating. A visitation will also be held on Thursday from 12:00 – 3:00 PM CST at the funeral home. James will be transported to East Tennessee where there will be a private burial. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on May 3, 1968, in Detroit, Michigan, James was the son of the late Charles Junior Croy and the late Eudella Elva Elledge Croy. James was a charismatic man and a natural born leader. A man of few words, James was known for his quiet wisdom and natural leadership. His presence commanded respect, and those who knew him valued his thoughtful insights. He had two beautiful children Matthew and Heather who were his pride and joy.

James found his calling in the funeral industry where he began his career with Stewart Enterprises, LLC (STEI) and later with Service Corporation International (SCI). He quickly became and excelled as an area sales executive from 2006 – 2015, earning respect in the field.

In his early 30s, James met Janel Gaddis, and together they built a thriving big game hunting reserve, along with a taxidermy shop, gun store, butcher shop, and cabin rental business from 2008 - 2016 all while still maintaining his role in the funeral industry. This endeavor was a true family affair, and their success was a testament to their hard work and dedication.

James and Janel shared a deep bond, traveling extensively to places like Canada, Pittsburgh, and Wyoming on hunting adventures. Even during his illness, Janel stood by him with unwavering love and support, guiding him through a lifesaving transplant. James spent countless hours on Boone and Cherokee lakes, fishing for Striper (Rock Bass) with his father-in-law, Phil Gaddis. His love for his family was boundless, and he will be remembered as a unique and irreplaceable soul.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his long-time companion and love of his life, Janel Croy, son, Matthew (Ashley) Croy, brothers, Dwight (Carolyn) Croy, Mark Croy, sister, Debbie Croy Reed, grandchildren, Bailey Danielle Croy, Skylar James Smith, Emory Mason Croy, Adelynn Jade Weaver, father in law, Phillip R. Gaddis, sister in law, Kimberly (Jerry) Meade, nephew, Jospeh Meade, the mother of his children, Lisa Johnson, Addy’s father, Alex Weaver, and Addy’s special paternal grandmother, Pamela Duncan Weaver.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Heather Danielle Croy and brother in law, Carl Reed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the United Network for Organ Sharing (Liver Department), 700 N 4th St., Richmond, VA 23219, https://unos.org/give/#GiveForm.