James Merle Crouch

Mar 23, 1943 -

Nov 14, 2025

James Merle Crouch, aka "Jim," age 82, of Anchorage, Alaska, received his final set of wings on Nov. 14, 2025, in Anchorage. Jim was born on March 23, 1943, in Christiansburg, Va., to James Ivey Crouch and Hallie Bramblett Elkins.

The Air Force brought Jim to Alaska in the 1960s, where he fell in love with its hunting and fishing opportunities. He met his beloved wife of 57 years, Carolyn, in a local restaurant and fell in another kind of love.

Jim served in the Alaska Air National Guard at Kulis for the majority of his military career. He was an aviator at heart, who had flown all over Alaska and worked on cargo planes. He and Carolyn raised their daughter Crystal in Anchorage. They spent many summers at their cabin at Lake Louise. He retired from service as a Senior Master Sergeant.

The best part of Jim's life in the latter part of retirement was being a grandfather, spending time with his family, being a good neighbor and gardening. Jim was a compassionate person who helped many people in need.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Crouch; daughter, Crystal Enkvist (Urban); and granddaughter, Annika Enkvist. Jim's memorial service is Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at 11 a.m. to noon at Anchorage Funeral Home, 1800 Dare Avenue in Anchorage. He will be laid to rest at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. Donations in Jim's memory may be made to the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission and the Salvation Army.