Obituary James Patrick McCrink

James McCrink passed away on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, at his home in Winter Garden, Florida. He was 59. He was born at Riverview Hospital in Red Bank, New Jersey, on July 8, 1957, and spent his early years in the “Sunken City” area of Middletown, New Jersey, where he was affectionately known by his friends as “Jimbo.”

Jim will be deeply missed by his family and friends who will always remember him as the thoughtful, loving and easygoing person he was. His children meant the world to him and so does he to them; he was a great dad and a good man. 

Carpentry was his passion. He loved working with wood and creating works of art from nothing but raw lumber. His camera was his friend, and he loved taking pictures of those dearest to him. He cherished all of the little mementos that were collected throughout his life, no matter how small.

Jim served honorably as a radar man in the U.S. Navy from 1974 to 1978, traveling the world on the USS Mount Whitney.

Jim had a wonderful lifelong career, starting out as a carpenter and going on to supervise and build stage sets for motion picture, television and theater. He has to his credit many projects, including “From The Earth to the Moon,” “Instinct,” “Waterboy,” “Mortal Combat,” “Shattered” and “To Death Do Us Part.”

He was also employed by Nickelodeon as a carpenter and shop foreman, building sets for many TV game shows of the ’90s.

Jim then became a founding member of the La Nouba team at Cirque du Soleil, first building the stage and props and moving on to stagehand thereafter.

Jim is survived by his sons, Scott, Jeffrey (and wife Jessica); and his daughter,s Jennifer (and husband Justin) and Katelyn. Jim will be missed by his beloved grandchildren, Alex, Connor, Wyatt and Claire. He also leaves behind his mother, Frances Stafford; siblings, Michael, Maureen, Margaret, Mary, Tim and Patricia; many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Forever we will remain thankful for the time spent with you and all that you have taught us throughout the years in the memorable times we shared together. Rest in peace, dear Jimmy. Soon enough we’ll be together again.  We love you.

Service is to be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at Kissimmee’s lakefront park under the Heron Pavilion. Email [email protected] for any questions.