James Watkins "Jimmy" Crews

James Watkins Crews, better known as "Jimmy", known to all as one-of-a-kind, left us on January 6, 2026, to bounce on the clouds in Heaven, surrounded by those that cherished him. Born on March, 13, 1958, Jimmy was a man who loved life—truly, loudly, and without hesitation. He showed up to each day wide open, ready for whatever joy, laughter, or adventure might come his way. To know him was to feel that energy: welcoming, generous, and unapologetically alive.

Nothing brought him more happiness than time spent with his grandkids. They were his pride and joy, his greatest audience, and his favorite excuse to slow down and soak in the moment. Whether he was telling stories or just being fully present, he made everyone around him feel deeply loved and endlessly important. He could tell the best jokes: “True or false?”

He had a way of embracing people and experiences with an open heart. He was always quick to help anyone that needed it, from building ponds to grading land. He listened without judgment, laughed easily, and lived with a kind of fearless honesty that made others feel comfortable being themselves. Life wasn’t something he tiptoed through—it was something he met head-on, arms spread wide open telling a joke with a BIG smile on his face.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and connection. His presence filled rooms, his spirit lifted people, and his memory will continue to do both. While he will be deeply missed, the way he lived—wide open and full of love—will live on in all who knew him.

Preceding him in death was his mother, Mary Wylie Crews; father, Daniel Merritt Crews; and sister, Doris Marie Grubbs.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Jay, Kelly (Joe), Amy, and Tina (Benji); grandchildren, Dagen, Maverick, Merritt, Helena, Alyssa (Dylan), Dillon (Courtney), Annabella; great-grandchildren, Reese, Sadie, Willow, Rinsley, Bennington; three brothers, Bill (Glena), Tommy (Cindy), Danny (Candi); and one sister, Judy; a host of nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Bruce Keller (Julie); extended loving family members; and many lifelong friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Hebron  Church, Saxe, VA, with interment to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, VA. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.