Jeffrey 'Jeff' B. Crocker, 74

July 4, 2025, amid the fireworks celebrations, Jeffrey "Jeff" B. Crocker was released from the grips of Parkinson’s into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior. His Independence Day! Born to (Mary) Jeanne and Cy Crocker on Sept. 25, 1950, he was raised in Libby — fondly referred to "Liberia" by his wife of 53 years, Donna G. Crocker. He was that 15-year-old teen who drove his mom to the hospital to deliver his sister, Stacia Hagerty (John, Marisa, Shelby). 

He is also survived by cousins, Randy (Kathy) Manion and Kim (Rich) Wood and Uncle Bill Gilbert. 

Yes, he was one of those Libby boys who grew up playing on the asbestos-dusted baseball fields, terrorizing Turner Mount, hunting, fishing, water-skiing and swimming in McGregor and the neighboring lakes. And they were known to walk the Swinging Bridge with reckless abandon, like a tightrope. He treasured his buddies, Beau, Cookie, Zwang, Beaulieu, Jimmy and Catfish, and he would bestow nicknames on everyone he loved, including his three kids, Beaner, Blondie and Kates. 

Let’s just say these boys kept their parents on their knees and up late nights. Although he swam competitively and ski-raced Big Mountain, his greatest athletic memory included bringing home the 1967 State Football Championship title playing under tough Coach Little. Did I mention tough! 

Jeff considered it an honor and blessing to be called “Dad,” standing in wonder, watching his three amazing kids’ lives unfold. He loved them deeply and was ever so proud to be their dad. He is survived by Benjamin (Crystal, Cove, Shelby), Kelcey Crocker (friend, Justin), Katherine (Kate) Ward (Nate, David). Blessed with only three grandkids, he got a kick out of the fact that they were all the same age, within two months of one another. And yes, he thought they were awesome and claimed his bragging rights! One of his greatest regrets as "Papa Jeff" was not being able to be fully involved in their crazy activities and the fun adventures which Parkinson’s denied him. 

Jeff received his undergraduate degree and did his graduate work at U of M, going on to enjoy a 30-year teaching and coaching career with School District No. 5 Kalispell. He considered it an honor, joy and welcome challenge teaching those sixth graders! His coaching with FHS, KJHS football and track even extended to Evergreen Junior High football, where he coached with his dear friend, Burly. He also coached baseball, Skip Elites, and worked many a swim meet for his own kids. To those who called him "Coach," he loved teaching the skills and joy of competition as well as good moral character to take forward as young men and women. The dedication and long hours forged many memorable relationships. Not being content to be retired so young, he also enjoyed a short, successful career in real estate. 

While in college, gregarious Jeff didn’t shy away from the fun social side either. Many meaningful friendships were formed with his Sigma Nu brothers. And he loved those Griz! 

Those college years with many shared friendships, including roommates who also married, were very special. One of his last concessions, along with his beloved skiing, was parting with his Griz season tickets when Parkinson’s progressed. 

Jeff always thought it serendipitous that he and Donna were delivered by the same doctor two months apart in Missoula, when neither of their moms lived there. He always laughed about their first meeting, when she crash landed at his feet, interrupting the ski class he was teaching for the university. No, she was not a member of his class! Surprise! This chance meeting developed into a deep, lifelong, committed friendship, secure love and partnership. Following their graduations, he really stepped in when they married May 27, 1972. A great example of his giving spirit and support was when he made the great sacrifice to marshal the troops, household and pets while Donna commuted to Missoula for two quarters, earning a second degree in education. He was her one-man support system as she got her bearings as a rookie teacher. He even indulged her in sail racing, which was not his passion. 

Jeff and Donna considered themselves fortunate to build and live in their lake home for 10 years, knowing these gifted years were numbered. It included the 17 pre-built bonus years of family camping memories and sailing with dear college friends Buzz and Beth, with Jimmy Buffett and Gordon Lightfoot tunes on board. Life was simple and fun! 

Did Parkinson’s steal a lot? Yes, but not his unfailing spirit and resolve. He fought a courageous battle for which we have great admiration. He didn’t spend a lot of time thinking, why me, but rather, more time thinking the Lord is going to get me through this. He would say don’t be sad for me but celebrate the life well-lived parts, the life I’ve been fully able to enjoy. 

Smile and remember the stories or pop-up memories that cause you to chuckle or laugh out loud. 

A celebration of life service will be held at Crossroads Christian Fellowship, 7465 Montana Highway 35, Bigfork, at 1 p.m. on July 25. Donations may be made in his name to: Flathead Valley Parkinson’s Support Group in Kalispell, Samaritan House in Kalispell, or Eden’s Child Crossroads in Bigfork. 

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.