James Samuel Croft

James Samuel Croft, 89, of Shelley, passed away March 15, 2010 at his home of a lingering illness.

He was born January 18, 1921 at Jerome, Idaho to Samuel Edward and Roselind Allen Croft.  He attended public schools through 8

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grade.

He joined the Navy on July 25, 1941.  He was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked December 7, 1941.

On January 6, 1950 he married Merle Andrews in Idaho Falls, Idaho.  They lived briefly in Idaho Falls where Gary was born and in Ogden where Elden and Val was born.  In 1959 they made their home in Shelley, Idaho.  On April 5, 1973 their daughter Janae was born.  They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS temple.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He served in various positions.

His hobbies included wood carving, fishing, camping, gardening, and jig saw puzzles.

He is survived by his wife, Merle Croft of Shelley; children, Gary (Pam) Croft of Basalt; Elden Croft & Val (Kalene) Croft both of Idaho Falls; Janae Croft of Seattle, WA; 14 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren, two brothers, Roy (Lucille) Croft & Verlyn (Margaret) Croft both of Idaho Falls.

He was preceded in death by six sisters and five brothers.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday March 20, 2010 at the Shelley 8

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Ward Chapel (184 North Park) with Bishop Arden Anderson conducting. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7:00 till 8:30 P.M. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley and Saturday morning 9:30 till 10:40 A.M. before the services at the church.  Interment will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery with military rites by David B. Bleak Post 93 of Shelley.