James Charles Crozier

Sgt. Major, USMC, (Retired) James Charles “Jimmy” Crozier passed away at his home in Eldorado, OK, on Sunday, February 16, 2025. He was born on September 15, 1947, in Quanah, TX to Charles Polk and Dorothy Jo (Richeson) Crozier. Jimmy attended and graduated from Eldorado Public School in 1965.

After high school, Jimmy joined the United States Marine Corps and had a long and distinguished career. He served his country for 26 years until retirement with the rank of Sergeant Major in 1992. Sgt, Major Crozier served in the Vietnam War, led the 2nd Tank Battalion at Camp Lejeune, and led the Corps in “Operation Just Cause”, the conflict that led to the capture of General Manuel Noriega. He also joined the Marine Corps Recruiting Command and was selected as Recruiter of the Year on three occasions. Sgt Major Crozier’s decorations include over 40 different awards during his service for exceptional performance in judgement and initiative. 

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Jimmy went into law enforcement, where he worked for both Hollis and Altus Police Departments. He then moved to Texas where he was employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, working in penal institutions in Iowa Park and Palestine. He quickly moved up in rank, becoming the fastest person, within the entire Texas Department of Criminal Justice system, to reach the rank of Captain. After leaving the Department Criminal Justice in Texas Jimmy worked as a deputy for the Jackson County Sheriff in Oklahoma until his retirement.

During his free time, Jimmy was an avid reader. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the lake and playing games with his siblings and family. His favorite times were those he spent with his grandchildren. He took pride in them and their accomplishments and could often be overheard bragging about them.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, Charles; daughter, Veronica Cortez; grandson, Tyler Mefford; brother, Eddie Wayne Crozier, and two sisters, Linda Crozier Ned and Debbie Crozier Springs.

Left to honor his memory are his mother, Dorothy; wife, Kathy Crozier, of the home; children: Jaycie Crozier Smith and husband, Chris of Oklahoma City, Maycie Crozier of Kansas City, MO, James Caldwell of Amarillo, TX, and Angela Kirby of Altus; grandchildren: Tucker Smith and wife, Crystal of Oklahoma City, Brady Mefford of Altus, Jayden Mefford of Altus, Kason Kirby of Altus, Madison Kirby of Altus, and Ashley Bronchi of Pampa, TX; and three great-grandchildren. Jimmy also leaves behind a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will formally greet friends at the Kincannon Chapel in Eldorado on Monday, February 24th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Services will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 25th, at the Eldorado First Baptist Church. Burial with military honors will immediately follow at the Eldorado Cemetery. Online tributes may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.