James B Alcroft

James B. Alcroft, Jimmy, passed away peacefully at his home in Canfield on February 19, 2015. Jimmy was born in Ayrshire, Scotland on October 12, 1923, son of Albert and Helen Alcroft. Jimmy was married 62 years to the love of his life Virginia "Ginny" Morgan who preceded him in death in 2009. He leaves to cherish his memories three children; son Jamie Alcroft and daughter in law Sarah Kawahara of Thousand Oaks, CA, daughter Cindy Alcroft and son in law David Murdoch of Canfield, daughter Linda Alcroft and son in law Kevin Kindberg of Cranbury, NJ. He also leaves nine grandchildren Alysse, Hayley and Thatcher Alcroft; David, Taylor and Jason Murdoch; Morgan Kindberg and husband Simon McIlroy, Abigail and Madison Kindberg, all of whom considered him more than a grandfather, but a best friend. He had a wonderful life and lived it with dignity and honor. He served with the U.S. Army 17th Airborne Infantry, spending two years in Europe where he heartbreakingly lost his older brother Andy. Upon returning from the war, Jimmy followed in his father's footsteps becoming a professional golfer from 1946 to 1956. Though he was the ultimate family man, most knew Jimmy as a golfer. Golf was his connection to his father and two brothers Albert and Andy. He was the club pro at Squaw Creek Country Club from 1946 to 1956. For half of that decade he was the local PGA Champ of Champs. Over his professional career he also qualified for nine majors including four US Opens, three PGA Championships, and two British Opens. As a pro Jimmy was often giving lessons, and in 1989 was inducted into the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame. Golf was his lifelong passion, one that helped shape the gentleman he was. His crowning achievement in golf was his fourteen holes in ones. Golf served him well, it was a great platform he used to build many personal and professional relationships that lasted a lifetime. He left professional golf to begin working for Commercial Shearing. Jimmy spent the next twenty-seven years working for Commercial as the Vice President of sales and a plant manager. During this period he had to relocate his family several times. Living in Youngstown (1956-1961), Bedford, England (1961-1964), Morristown, NJ (1964-1968), Canfield, OH (1968-1979) and Benton, AR (1979-1983). In 1983 Jimmy retired from Commercial and began his retirement in Pinehurst, NC. Shortly following his retirement, he started working for Apsco in Tulsa, OK where he worked until his death at age 91. Jimmy lived a life full of experiences, full of people who admired and adored him, as well as enjoying many rounds of golf with family and friends. Friends may visit the family from 2 to 3:30 on Saturday, February 28 at Lane Funeral Home in Canfield Chapel where a memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Dad requested that donations be given to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St. Youngstown, Ohio 44512 or a Veterans Organization of your choice. .