Obituary

James Crews Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Duggan's Mission Chapel on Jan. 30, 2026.

James Pleasant CrewsBest known as Jim, Jimmy, Jimbo, or Crewser-but more importantly as "honey," "sweetheart," "Dad," and "Papa Jim"-Jim Crews was an amazing husband, father, and dear friend to countless people throughout his life. There wasn't a place he could go-sporting events, grocery stores, or even the gas station-without running into a familiar face, greeting them with a warm smile and a firm handshake or hug.

Following in the footsteps of his beloved father, Ples Crews, Jim was remembered by many for his tireless dedication to youth sports as both an exceptional athlete and a devoted coach. Through football, baseball, and men's fast-pitch softball, Jim left a lasting impression on generations of players. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his family and dear friends. Jim passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at the age of 78, at his home in Sonoma, surrounded by family.

Born on February 24, 1947, to Ples and Peggy Crews (later Peggy Herwatt Tullett), Jim grew up a true Petaluma and Sonoma boy with a deep love for sports and family. Spending weekdays in Petaluma with Ples and stepmother Margie, he often rode his bike to Sonoma to visit his mother Peggy, stepfather Dick, and sister Patti. From an early age, Jim learned the value of hard work and making an honest living-lessons taught while helping his father run the Lakeville Dairy route, delivering fresh milk to Petaluma families.

That work ethic stayed with him throughout his life. As an adult, Jim often left home at 2:30-3:00 a.m. to begin his bread route, yet still found time to coach youth sports after school and play in men's softball leagues in the evenings. Never far from a field, Jim ultimately found his greatest calling as a devoted father and coach to his own children-and later, his grandchildren.

An outstanding quarterback for the Petaluma High School Trojans, Jim went on to Santa Rosa Junior College, where he began a promising football career before a knee injury ended that dream. Undeterred, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, where-true to form-he still managed to find softball fields and pick-up games in his free time.

After his discharge, Jim returned to Petaluma, where he met Brigitta (Gitta Newby). They were married on August 4, 1973, purchased their first home in Sonoma Valley, and welcomed three children: Erin, Jimmy, and Nick. Jim and Brigitta were true partners, working hard to raise their family and build their beautiful dream home. In February 2022, Jim celebrated his 75th birthday; sadly, he soon began to decline from presumed Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia related to Agent Orange exposure during his service, and later suffered a stroke-just one year shy of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Throughout his life, Jim held many positions. He was best known for his work as a bread and pastry supervisor and route driver with Entenmann's/Oroweat, but he also served as a assistant manager at Fiesta Market in Sonoma, worked as a traveling watch salesman, drove routes for Kilpatrick's, and concluded his career as an independent salesman with Grandpa Don's/Dotal, selling jerky and coffee. There was scarcely a supermarket from Humboldt County to Marin, from the coast to the foothills, where Jim didn't have ties-or friends.

Despite working full time, Jim devoted countless hours to coaching high school and youth football, soccer, baseball, and softball in Sonoma. Coaching his children and later his grandchildren brought him immense joy. Beyond sports, Jim loved snow and water skiing, camping, backpacking in Yosemite, and traveling the world.

Jim was preceded in death by his father Ples and Margie Crews; his mother Peggy Herwatt Tullett (and Dick Herwatt, Al Tullett); his mother-in-law Hannelore Newby; father-in-law Jack Newby; brother-in-law Carl Newby; aunt Olive Dean; and cousin James Blakely.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Brigitta; daughter Erin Weaver (Justin); sons Jim Crews (Annabel) and Nick Crews (Emilie); his eight grandchildren: Gracie and Jackson Weaver; Emily, Jameson, and Henry Crews; Bella and Avery Crews; and Taylor Goss; sister Patricia Frazier (Tom); nephew Rick Frazier (Maria, Katarina); niece Peggy Frazier (Wendy); sister Roberta Lee (Connie) and her children Brent, Georgia, and Ross Lee. He is also survived by cousins Cathy Neal (Terry, Brent, Jamie), Billy Jean and the Blakely family; sisters-in-law Sharon Bowman and Pat Newby; niece Heather Savin (Zane, Prim, and Hannelore); his lifelong best friend Pete Chiara and wife Becky; Billy and Buffy Wong; Perry and Jackie Austin; Sandy and Skip Caster; Ginny and Guiseppe Dose and many treasured colleagues, teammates, and friends.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on February 24, 2026, at Sonoma Veterans Cemetery, 126 1st Street West, with a reception to follow at the Sonoma Veterans Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jim's name to Sonoma Junior Dragons Football, Westamerica Bank, an organization very near and dear to his heart.

For further details, contact Brigitta (707) 815-2748.

The family extends sincere thanks to Roy and Magda Sevilla, his devoted caregivers; the compassionate staff at Sonoma Grove; the VA Home Healthcare team; the excellent staff at Healing at Home Hospice; and Dua, his caregiver on his final day. Your care gave Jim comfort and dignity during the last years of his journey, and we are deeply grateful.

We love you, Jim, and will carry you in our hearts until we meet again.