Cover photo for Lt. Jim C Crowley's Obituary
Lt. Jim C Crowley Profile Photo
1947 Lt. 2018

Lt. Jim C Crowley

June 24, 1947 — November 3, 2018

Lt. Jim C. Crowley (71) End Of Watch November 3, 2018 of West Jordan, Utah. He was born June 24, 1947 to Velma Crowley in Salt Lake City. She later married Joseph Schouten who Jim always considered his dad.
Jim attended Cyprus High School and graduated in 1965. Jim’s first childhood friend was Richard Defa and together they spent many hours aggravating Jim’s mom, Velma. Jim’s two childhood and longtime friends were, Bob Humphreys and Monty Unsworth. The three of them found themselves in many adventures including attempting to coax a bear out of Yellowstone National Park with a bag of potato chips. The 3 Musketeers were always in search of adventures whether it be on trains or in fast cars.
Jim was drafted in the Army in June 1965 serving in Vietnam where he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and an Honorable Discharge in October 1968. While in Vietnam, he saved up the little money he had to donate needed items to the local orphanage. Losing friends in the war was very hard on him, and he always wanted to live a life deserving of their sacrifice.
After Vietnam, he met his first love, Sherry Unsworth, while showing off his new Dodge Charger. They were both nearly killed when they were struck by another driver on State Street. They married August 1969 in Salt Lake City and during their 13-year marriage they had James, Holly and Joey.
Jim began his decorated career in law enforcement in April 1976 working for Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department. In 1980, Jim was honored to be one of the first officers sworn in to the new city of West Valley. In April 1983, Jim married “his love” Rebecca Jansen in their Appian Way home adding her two amazing children, Josh and Heather, to his family. In November 1984 their son, Jacob was born. They worked together at West Valley City Police Department for many years and were married 13 years. During his time with West Valley he received Officer of the Year in 1991, Certificate of Merit 1992, and Distinguished Service Award in Dec 2010. Jim also was the Task Force Commander for Utah’s Project Safe Neighborhoods 2004-2013 and Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Task Force Commander 2004-2012. Jim helped start the Tip-A-Cop Fundraiser which raised over $20,000 in 3 years for the Children’s Justice Center. He retired as a Lieutenant with a distinguished career in Jan 2013 and was inducted in the West Valley Honorary Colonel Organization.
Jim was instrumental in bringing The Fraternal Order of Police to the State of Utah, which he spent many decades serving different roles within the organization including West Valley Lodge President 1981-1991, Lodge Secretary 1993-1995, Co-Chairman for Western States Coalition 1993-1997, and the National Trustee beginning Aug 1989 until present. One of the highlights of his FOP Career was raising funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial built in Washington DC known as the “Path of Remembrance” to honor and remember police officers, nationwide, killed in the line of duty. Through Jim’s work with the FOP he made friends from all over the world by traveling to many cities, countless conferences, and leaving his mark in the hearts of many. #FOPStrong
Jim was a member of the West Valley Rotary Club doing service projects throughout his community. Jim received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, from Columbia College. In May 2000 he married his best friend, Monique Mackay adding her two beautiful children, Alexis and Austin to his family. Though the marriage was short, their friendship endured. Jim made best friends in her parents, Kent & Linda Mackay. Jim & Kent were like an old married couple, either bickering with each other, being on the phone for hours, or helping one another. Whether you needed blinds installed, painting done or a new sprinkler system, they were always there to help.
Jim was an outdoorsman that enjoyed fishing and hunting with his children, grandchildren, and nephews. Jim’s favorite memories included boating on Lake Powell every summer. He enjoyed golfing with his family and friends. He organized many golf tournaments at Stonebridge Golf Course for multiple organizations. However, he couldn’t have done it without his friend, Jeremy Erikkila. His life revolved around Bingo every Friday night at St. Francis in Kearns. Some of the highlights of his life were meeting the American Sniper Chris Kyle, and Jim’s family trips to watch the Oakland Raiders. His Saturdays were spent with his beloved car club, showing off his prized 1969 Dodge Charger at the local car shows, with his brother Jay, his dear friends Neil & Linda Love, James Frear, and may others. Jim was an avid collector and he loved: adventuring, traveling, going on cruises, singing karaoke, and he was an excellent story teller. Jim loved the holidays surrounded by family and friends, especially Christmas.
Besides his family, Jim’s number one love was for his brothers and sisters in blue. He worked so hard to make their lives better, and he was proud to stand for the families of the fallen. Jim often spent the holidays cooking for the officers that were working, before celebrating with his own family. He truly was a cop’s cop. Always willing to be the first one in, and the last one out, of any situation. Jim was the one you could count on when sh!t hit the fan, usually because he caused it. Jim has broken almost every bone in his body in the line of duty, including his neck 4 times. His friends, and Chiefs Dennis Nordfelt and Buzz Nielsen, loved having to find new desk duty for him while he recovered. He was so inspired by his fellow officers and will always cherish the longtime friendships he has made with his brothers and sisters. You all are HIS HEROES! His greatest love was being in a police car, sometimes radioing for help while hanging, or being dragged by a perp, making some shifts more memorable, always backing one of his own, and getting the bad guy. He was our family’s HERO, our BEST FRIEND, and most of all, he was our DAD.
Furthermore, the O.G. was so proud of each one of his children. From taking family vacations together, to holidays, or just a reason to have a party and be together.
He often talked about his son, James who is a Driller Foreman in Texas. As the first born, James spent many shifts riding along in the police car. Jim and James shared the love of hunting, fast cars, the Raiders and late-night shopping on QVC. Jim enjoyed meeting James and his family on trips to watch the Raiders play football. James made Jim a grandpa for the first time and he loved spending time with his grandchildren, Megan, Kristin, Justin and Brandon. He was overjoyed to meet James’ southern belle, Brittany and her sweet McKenzie. James and Brittany blessed him with another grandson, baby Wyatt. Jim was excited to learn of another baby boy arriving in March. James was his favorite.
Jim’s favorite date to any fancy event, was his daughter Holly. She would often drag him to her GOP events and introduce him to important people, he already knew. They loved late night conversations and Words with Friends. As his only daughter, he spoiled her with many surprises and sweet gestures. Jim loved having Holly and Michael travel with him to Washington DC for the Police Officer Memorial every May. This year was special, because he brought Carson and Ryann to witness their O.G. Pa’s passion for law enforcement. Jim cherished his time with his grandkids. Holly was his favorite.
Jim and his son, Joey shared the love of the outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing or camping they always find their happiness and solace in nature. Jim was very proud of Joey’s skills with a bow and a fishing rod. Jim enjoyed many nights around a campfire, after a hunt, sharing stories with his son. Also, they had a mutual love of collecting and long discussions on history. Joey got Jim’s brown eyes, his screaming good looks, witty sense of humor and his passion for life. Joey was his favorite.
Jim was so proud of his youngest son Jake, who followed in his footsteps and became a police officer. Together, they also enjoyed hunting, traveling, watching football and spending quality time together. Jim also enjoyed time with his daughter-in-law at their favorite place, Golden Corral, among many other special dates together. He also enjoyed her constant concern for him in her sweet southern “Virginia accent.” Jim was also crazy about his granddaughter, Katie Ray (his “happy girl”). Jake was his favorite.
Jim was especially proud of his nephew, Dustin (Jennifer) Schouten of his dedication to his country and his highly decorated Naval career. Jim often ventured to Montana to visit his niece, Kathryn (Darin) Price and their four amazing children, Tori, Katie, Jack and Josh. He enjoyed their time together visiting Glacier National Park, boating on the pristine waters and hunting. He is survived by three ex-wives, Sherry, Becky and Monique – though their marriages didn’t last their friendships were everlasting. Jim is also survived by his companion of the last 35-years, his red lord parrot, Bud. (Jim’s actual favorite)
Survived by son, James (Brittany) Crowley of Lindale, TX, daughter Holly (Michael) Rabanne of Stansbury Park, son Joey Crowley of Salt Lake City, son Jacob (Marianne) Crowley of West Jordan, sister, Carla (David) Shaffer of Columbia Falls, MT, brother Joseph (Haidee) Schouten of South Jordan, brother Jay (Shirley Green) Schouten of Fort Worth, TX. Jim had 9 grandchildren and was excited to learn of 2 more on the way before his passing. He was known as the O.G. Pa and loved the time he got to spend with them. (James) Megan, Kristin, Justin, Brandon, McKenzie, Wyatt, (Holly) Carson, Ryann, (Jacob) Katherine and 1 great granddaughter, (Kristin and Jordan Watchman) Cora. Michael’s children were also a big part of his life Jason (Ashlee) Tooker, Salt Lake City, Shawn Bernert, Salt Lake City, and Terra (Jimmy) Vega, California. Numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored dearly. Numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored dearly.
Preceded in death by his father, Joseph Schouten, mother, Velma Schouten, his sister, Sharen Power Foster, his nephew, Jeffery Ewing and niece, Kandie Shaffer and the many of those that have fallen while in service to our country.
Funeral services will be Sunday, November 11th (Veteran’s Day) at Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 West 3100 South, West Valley City. Public viewing at 11:00 am service to begin at 1:00 pm. Interment at Redwood Memorial Cemetery with graveside services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name by supporting your local F.O.P. Foundation www.fop.giveback.org
Our family would like to thank the cavalry of police agencies that showed our dad honor and gave our family support. West Valley City Chief Colleen Jacobs, the entire West Valley City Police Department to include the officers for ‘The Honor Watch,’ The State of Utah Fraternal Order of Police with special thanks to Brent Jex and Travis Brower, National Fraternal Order of Police including Pat Yoes, Rob Pride and the many, many lodges that have reached out to Jim during this time #FOPStrong, Kevin Salmon and the Utah Agencies that came as his cavalry, Attorney General Sean Reyes and West Valley City Shop Boys Eric Madsen, Tam Truong and Bryan Hiatt. Neighbors Brad & Lynn Miller, thanks for all you’ve done over the years and feeding our family this week. Jim was also appreciative of his longtime friend/neighbor Annie. The family is so grateful for all the time and love you showed our dad throughout everything – thank you Annie & Chad Penman and entire family. A very special thank you goes to Janay Salmon for finding the maple nut ice cream and bringing all the comforts and love to our dad.
We would also like to thank: The Sheridan of South Jordan, Harmony Hospice Team including Dee, Robin, Allysa, Tricia and Laurie. To Monique Mackay, thank you for keeping our promise to our dad. You showed him Honor, Dignity and gave him Comfort. We are forever grateful.
HAVE YOU THANKED A POLICE OFFICER TODAY?
“The list is so long, and distinguished, but being as seasoned as I am, I know I’m forgetting someone, I ask myself……SELF who am I forgetting? This is Oscar 24 going 1042…you’ve got the watch from here…stay safe out there.” – Jim Crowley
Service Information
Viewing November 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Utah Cultural Celebration Center 1355 West 3100 South, West Valley City, Utah 84119





Funeral Service
November 11, 2018 at 1:00 PM
Utah Cultural Celebration Center 1355 West 3100 South, West Valley City, Utah 84119
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