Jim Crutchfield of Freeland passed away on Oct. 12 after a long illness. He was 69.

A longtime resident of Mutiny Sands, Jim was a graduate of Shorecrest High in Seattle and Western Washington University in Bellingham. In the early 1970s, he worked as a park ranger in Deception Pass State Park. He later owned a small lawn care business that served customers in the South Whidbey area. He was a past president, F.O.E. 3418, South Whidbey Eagles. Jim was an accomplished singer and guitarist, and enjoyed his daily breakfasts at the Freeland Cafe. He loved laughing and joking and making bad puns, and was devoted to his little poodle Goldie Mae.

Jim was predeceased by his parents Jim and Jean Crutchfield and sister Helen Crutchfield, stepmother Lillian Greve Crutchfield, and stepbrothers Daniel and David Greve. He is survived by his brother Steve Crutchfield, brother-in-law Richard Ormseth, nephew Jack Crutchfield, niece Peggy O’Keefe, stepsister Nancy Greve, stepbrothers Douglas and Dean Greve, and many friends in the South Whidbey community.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held later this fall at the Freeland Cafe. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be directed to the Autism Society at http://www.autism-society.org/get- involved/donate/