James Leroy Crock

Mass of Christian Burial for James “Jim” Leroy Crock will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tipton, with Father Flattery officiating. A luncheon will follow the Mass at the church. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 19 at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton, with a Rosary beginning at 3:15 p.m. prior to the visitation. The family kindly requests casual attire be worn for both the visitation and funeral Mass. Memorials may be directed to the Tipton Senior Center. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

James “Jim” Leroy Crock, age 82, of Tipton, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Cedar Manor Nursing Home in Tipton.

Jim was born November 26, 1943 in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Raymond Leo Crock, Sr. and Dorothy A. (Brennan) Crock. He graduated from Tipton High School in 1962 and went straight into a life-long farming career, later also working as a road grader operator for the Cedar County Secondary Roads Department for 28 years. He was known for his strong work ethic and self-discipline throughout his life.

Jim met Mary Louise Lemkau when they were in kindergarten together. They began dating as sophomores in high school and were united in marriage on February 20, 1965 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tipton. Together they raised their family and built a life in the Tipton area.

In addition to farming, Jim was a talented self-taught woodworker who made many handcrafted items for his family over the years including baby cribs, rocking chairs, wooden swings, and furniture. He was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and faithfully served as an altar boy through his senior year of high school. His family fondly remembered that he could still recite the Latin he had learned through the Catholic Church years later.

Jim also enjoyed following Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball and spending time with his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Crock of Tipton; sons, Allen (Marianne) Crock, Gary (Renee) Crock, Richard Crock, and Ronald (Mindy) Crock; sister, Mary Jean Bents; 11 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald (Marianne) Crock and Raymond (Margaret) Crock; sister, Lorna (Robert) Marchik; and brother-in-law, John Bents.

Jim will be remembered as a man of faith, family, and strong values. He lived a life rooted in hard work, commitment, and quiet honor, and his family will remember the example of dedication and responsibility he carried throughout his life.