Friends Grieve Loss of Jim Crockett, Bean's Cafe Director

Crockett died Thursday morning

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By Lacie Grosvold

Story Created: Nov 30, 2012 at 8:26 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Nov 30, 2012 at 8:26 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Friday at Bean's Cafe, there was something missing. That's because its executive director of over 10 years, Jim Crockett, died Thursday shortly after being hospitalized with pneumonia. His unexpected passing has been rough for those who knew him. "Everybody has been really sad," said Grace Anderson. She's known Crockett for years, and she said he'd helped her recieve services. "It's like a shadow."

Jim was considered a friend to almost everyone who knew him. "I don't have to tell anyone what to think about him," said Dave Crockett, who met him in the '90s, "If they knew, they knew he was the best."

Jim worked in the private sector as an accountant, then he was involved with Bean's as a board member. When his work situation changed, he became the executive director of the organization that feeds homeless people and gives them a safe place to relax during the day. His co-worker, Ken Miller, said that -- like himself -- he thinks Crockett "fell in love with Bean's."

He was called an advocate for those that don't usually have an advocate. But to those he helped, he was more than an advocate. Carl Smith said he taught him about respect, that Crockett respected everyone. "First and foremost, he was a very caring person."

Miller said, "Jim had one of the largest hearts in the world. He believed in the potential in each and every individual."

Looking forward, Bean's Cafe said its priority now is maintainng services, carrying on his legacy: a man who believed in a vision and lived what he believed.

Anderson said, "I know he's going to heaven because he was an angel around here."

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dave said on Saturday, Dec 1 at 6:23 AM

Ironic.....the clients he helped often expose themselves to raw elements and lifetyles that jeapordize ones health...and they live to see a ripe old age

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