James G. Crosby

James G. Crosby, 84, of Danvers, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House following complications from a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family, who will forever be grateful for his selfless heart, gentle guidance, unwavering determination, and enthusiasm for life.

Jim was the beloved husband and soulmate of his late wife, Patricia A. (Nadeau) Crosby, with whom he shared a storybook marriage for more than fifty-eight years. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and devotion to one another.

A lifelong resident of Danvers, Jim was born on May 26, 1942, to the late Dolores (Goddard) Crosby. He was the brother of Mary MacArthur of California and Jane Cederman of New Hampshire.

Jim was raised and educated in Danvers and graduated from Holten High School in 1960. Through hard work and determination, he earned a degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University while participating in Star Market Company’s cooperative education program. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart, Pat, beginning a lifelong partnership that would remain the foundation of his life.

Following graduation, Jim joined Star Market as a full-time employee and steadily advanced through the company. When Star Market elected to sell several of its smaller stores, Jim seized the opportunity to pursue his entrepreneurial dream, opening Crosby’s Star Agency in Concord, Massachusetts. Over the years, that single store grew into a successful chain of seven markets. In 2015, he expanded his business by purchasing Henry’s Market in Beverly.

Committed to lifelong learning, Jim went on to earn his MBA from Babson College. In recognition of his accomplishments and service to the community, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Salem State University.

While proud of his professional achievements, Jim’s greatest passion was always his family. He was deeply devoted to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, and he took great joy in supporting and celebrating their lives. He also cared deeply about the communities in which he lived and worked, serving on numerous boards and organizations, including the Salvation Army, North Shore Medical Center, and the Massachusetts Food Association. Jim was never one to sit still. He approached every day with energy, purpose, and a willingness to lend a hand. He always joked that one could sleep when they died. He died tired.

Jim’s contributions to both business and community service earned him many honors throughout his life. He was named Businessperson of the Year in both Salem and Marblehead, received the Michael J. Ruane Community Service Award, and was recognized as Progressive Grocer’s Outstanding Independent Store Operator. He was also the first recipient from Massachusetts to receive the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Entrepreneurial Success Award.

He is survived by his children, Michael Crosby of Danvers; Terri Clancey of Georgetown; Chris Crosby and his wife, Alison, of Georgetown; and Katie Ross and her husband, Michael, of Topsfield; his daughter-in-law, Lesley Crosby of Danvers; his grandchildren, Benjamin, Ryley, Justin, Jenna, Kyle, Kelsey, Mateo, Bethany, and Jared; and his great-grandson, Tyler Laustsen. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Mark and Melissa Cederman, Brian and Victoria Nadeau, and Tina Miko and Robert Hendricks.

He was predeceased by his son, David Crosby; his granddaughter, Allison Crosby; his son-in-law, Sean Clancey; and his nephew, Jay Stone.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Saint Richard’s Church, 90 Forest Street, Danvers. Burial will follow at Annunciation Cemetery in Danvers. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm Street, Danvers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Kaplan Family Hospice House at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/xuihvw. Online directions and condolences are available at www.Lyons Funeral.com.