James J. Crane, 72 of Upper Montclair, passed away on June 26th, 2019 after a short illness.

Jim "Jocko"; "Craner" Crane was born in Brooklyn before moving to Upper Montclair in 1972. After graduating from Manhattan College, Jim honorably served in the Marine Corp Reserves. He also received his MBA from NYU which he pursued while working as a Marketing Executive for IBM. He remained at IBM for his entire career before retiring in 1998. Jim was active in his community, volunteering with his wife at the Montclair Human Needs Pantry and participating in the town softball league. Jim was also an avid golfer, enjoying his days on the course with friends. Anyone who spent time with Jim was likely exposed to his never-ending re-telling of spectacularly poor jokes and unfailing devotion to the NY Jets. He was never shy about highlighting his time on the Brooklyn Mariners or his shining moment when he caught a pass from the legendary Joe Namath while playing with the NY Jets. Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and a great friend and always enthusiastic to spend time with as many of them as possible. Jim was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. He rarely missed a lacrosse, soccer, field hockey game or swim meet and was always one of the loudest "cheerleaders" even if he didn't know what he was cheering for.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lynn (nee Peterson) his children, James S. Crane and wife Kathy, Jennifer Crane and husband Lee Thompson. He also had four grandchildren, Madeline, Emily, and Meghan Crane and Hannah Thompson, as well as his niece Ashley Cosgrove and a large, loving extended family.

Visiting hours will take place Monday, July 1st, 4-7PM at Caggiano Memorial Home, 62 Grove Street, Montclair. A mass of requiem will be held at 10am on Tuesday July 2nd, St. Cassian Church in Upper Montclair. Graveside memorial to follow at The Presbyterian Church of Upper Montclair. Memorial donations to http://www.humanneedsfoodpantry.org/donate, would be appreciated.