In Memoriam: James P. Crimmins

21 September 1941-28 June 2024

Mr. James Crimmins, 82, husband of Phoebe Crimmins (59 years of marriage!), passed away last year.  After serving in the United States military and graduating from Northern Illinois University, he embarked on a career supporting medical institutions and organizations. He is gratefully remembered for his long years of service to both the International Academy of Pathology (IAP) and the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP). In 1979 he became an accountant and meeting planner for the then International Academy of Pathology. In 1986 he helped legally separate the IAP from the USCAP,  but continued to work for both in his role as planner and chief financial officer.  At the meetings of both organizations Jim was there with his walkie talkie in hand making sure that everything was running smoothly. He did so with a smile and great energy.

Dr. Fred Silva, former Executive Vice President of USCAP, and long time friend of Jim remembered him fondly as someone who was up early, worked late and always put the needs of the Academies ahead of his own. He loved his work, church, golf and travel, and working for the Academies allowed him to do two of these. He enjoyed seeking out venues for the IAP biennial meetings and coordinated the events with local organizers. Living in Augusta, Georgia, he also was a huge fan of the Masters Golf Tournament, where he served as a volunteer scorekeeper on hole number 3 for 30 years.

The Academy expresses its deepest sympathy to his wife Phoebe and family. May he rest in peace.

Augusta, GA – Entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 28, 2024, Mr. James (Jim) Patrick Crimmins, 82, husband of Phoebe James Crimmins.

Jim, the eldest of three children, was born in Streator, Illinois. His father was a career Army officer, serving in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Due to military life his family traveled a lot in his youth. He attended kindergarten in Japan and attended many different schools around the United States. Most of his high school years were spent in Illinois where he ran track and played golf and basketball in high school.

He attended Northern Illinois University where he competed in golf as a walk-on to the school team. After graduation he married Phoebe and took a job at Price Waterhouse in Chicago.

In 1966, Jim was drafted into the Army and trained at Fort Gordon before serving in Vietnam. After finishing his Military duty, he and Phoebe settled in Augusta, Georgia and he took a position at the Medical College of Georgia as an Internal Auditor. In 1979, Jim left the Medical College to join the US and Canadian Academy of Pathology as an accountant and meeting planner for the Academy’s national and international professional meetings. In his job at the Academy, he helped underserved people from around the world obtain materials needed to study and advance the science of pathology. He retired in 2006 but remained active with the Academy as a consultant which afforded him and Phoebe many opportunities to travel the world together.

Jim was passionate about the game of golf. He enjoyed playing golf weekly for many years with close friends and playing courses around the country and the world during his career travels. A highlight of his life was serving as a volunteer scorekeeper on hole number three at the Masters golf tournament for 30 years.

Jim and Phoebe joined Covenant Presbyterian Church in 1968. Jim served the church in many capacities including as a Deacon, Elder, Coordinator of Family Promise, Chair of the ushers, Fellowship and Stewardship committees, VBS, Men’s Luncheons coordination, GAP Camp, and as a Lay Reader/Liturgist. His love of the church was limitless, and he found great comfort and joy serving his fellow congregants.

Jim was a loving husband and a wonderful father. He cherished his family and friendships. Family members in addition to his wife of 59 years Phoebe, include his son: Stephen Crimmins (Joanne) of Frederick, MD; daughter: Megan Sperr (Brad) of Athens, GA; grandchildren: William Sperr and Thomas Sperr; brother: John Crimmins and sister: Jean Gilliam; and cousin: Cherie Raciti.