Mr. James Francis "Ricochet" Crews age 67, of Starke passed away Friday, May 24, 2024 at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. James was born on February 16, 1957 in Wauchula. He grew up in Safety Harbor and moved to Starke in 1976. Prior to retirement he worked for the Florida Department of Corrections where he received many special assignments including the demolition of the infamous "Rock" that was built at Raiford in 1927. He was part of the K-9 Unit at UCI as well as other specialized teams. Following his retirement, he worked as a truck driver for PRIDE for several years. Mr. Crews was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Starke where he served as an usher. James loved telling stories and spending time with his family including his grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews. He also enjoyed the outdoors, farming his land, fishing, and was an avid hunter of dove and deer. He had a passion for bee keeping and generously gave much of the harvested honey to others. Ricochet was a member of several hunting clubs over the years, including Piney Bay Hunt Club where he served as Vice President for many terms. James was truly kind to people in need; uncaring if they were friend or stranger, even in his declining mobility, he pushed himself to help others. He was dearly loved and is leaving a void in the hearts of many. Preceding him in death was his father, Francis Bryant Crews and his sister, Susan Crews Kirkhart. Survivors are; the "Light of His Life" and wife of 48 years, Laura (Fuqua) Crews of Starke, son, Matthew F. Crews (Jaime) of Keystone Heights, mother, Winnie (Warren) Crews of Old Town, sister, JoAnne Howard (Charles) of Old Town, Brother, Andrew Crews (Donna) of Old Town, and brother-in-law, Tim Kirkhart of Lakeland. Also left are his grandchildren, Noah Grogan and Ashlynn Crews along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.The family will receive friends at the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 5-7 pm. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 11:00 am at First Church of Starke, 200 N. Walnut St., Starke FL 32091 with Pastor Josh Reiken and Mr. Clenton Gay officiating. Interment will follow at Long Branch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the National Spine Health Foundation; spinehealth.org/donate, checks may be mailed to 11800 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 300, Reston, VA 20191. Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com. Cemetery Long Branch Cemetery 5500 Long Branch Cemetery Road Clay Hill FL 32234 US Visitation Wednesday, May 29, 2024 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM DeWitt C. Jones Chapel 620 Nona Street Starke FL 32091 US A Celebration of Life Thursday, May 30, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:01 PM First Methodist Starke 200 N Walnut St Starke FL 32091 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176