James Howard Crowe

James Howard Crowe, 90, of Dawsonville, peacefully transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home on January 23, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. James was born on August 6, 1934, in the Savannah Community of southern Dawson County on his grandfather Bob Stowers' farm. Remarkably, he spent his final moments less than a mile from his birthplace, at his son's home adjacent to the original farm.

James touched many lives through his public service, church involvement, and personal relationships, exhibiting a gentle yet firm demeanor and unwavering convictions. Growing up on the Stowers farm with his parents, sisters, and "more cousins than you could count," he embraced the values of faith and family that guided him throughout his life.

After a brief stint with Lockheed Corporation, James served in the United States Army. Following his military service, he married Bessie Ray Evans, his wife of 61 years, and embarked on a career in Telecommunications with the State of Georgia. He held positions in Americus, Macon, and Augusta, Georgia. During this time, James and Bessie welcomed their only child, Kenneth, instilling in him the same cherished values.

After a 30-year career, James and Bessie returned to their roots, building a home in Dawson County. They were faithful members of Concord Baptist Church, singing in the choir, and members of the Jimmy Moore Sunday School class. Their family grew to include a daughter-in-law and two granddaughters who affectionately called James, Pee Paw. Being Pee Paw brought James some of the most fulfilling days of his life.

James is preceded in death by his parents, John Knox Burns Crowe and Fannie Stowers Crowe, his wife Bessie Ray Evans Crowe, sisters Mary Elizabeth Crowe and Marie Johnson, and brother-in-law Ronald Swanson. He is survived by his son, Dr. Kenneth Burns Crowe, and daughter-in-law, Lori Ann Crowe, of Dawsonville; granddaughters Mary Beth Crowe and Kimberly (Nate) Flowers, of Charlotte, NC; sisters Faye Swanson and Wanda (Jimmy) Bruce, of Dawsonville; brother-in-law Jackie Johnson, and sister-in-law Ruby Dean Higgins, both of Cumming; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of James' life will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, January 26 at Concord Baptist Church in Cumming. He will lie in state starting at 2:30 pm in the church chapel. Dr. Scott Gilbert and Rev. Tom Camp will officiate, with music by the church’s Oasis Choir. The family will receive friends from 4 pm to 8 pm on Saturday, January 25 at Bearden Funeral Home in Dawsonville. Interment will follow at Sawnee View Gardens. Memorial gifts may be directed to Concord Baptist Church, 6905 Concord Rd., Cumming, GA 30028.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.