Doug Crotts

Our funny, loving, and compassionate James Douglas Crotts, or Doug as he was known to most, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 29, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 61. Doug was a resident of Idaho Falls, Idaho, but called many places his home over his lifetime; including Arkansas, California, Illinois, and Japan.

Doug was born as the first of three children in Clarksville, Arkansas to James Thomas Crotts and Kanna Lou Sams Crotts on October 8, 1956. He grew up in Lamar, Arkansas; where he attend school at Lamar High School and played a variety of sports, including football and wrestling. Being the oldest child, Doug's playful and caring nature was evident in the pranks he played on his sister, Kelia Crotts-Moore and brother, Tanif Crotts. At the age of 30, Doug was blessed with a son, James Douglas Crotts Jr., who resides in Ammon, Idaho. Doug met the love of his life, Yvonne Brown, while finishing his studies at Idaho State University. Together they shared a loving family of two sons and a daughter, Jim, Doug, and Taryn. He was blessed with two beautiful grandchildren, Sawyer and Olivia, and many nieces, nephews, and precious family. Doug was loved deeply by all and will be dearly missed.

Doug lived a very active and fulfilling life. Early on, he developed a passion for being outdoors and he loved to spend his time hunting, fishing, and camping in the beautiful Arkansas wilderness. Doug's wanderlust and love of his country led him to join the United States Navy as a young man. During his years of dedicated service, he traveled the world and developed many lifelong friendships. Doug retired from his distinguished Naval career with the rank of Chief Hospital Corpsman. He was extremely happy to have recently had the opportunity to reunite with Navy brothers earlier this year, where they reminisced over many stories and shared much laughter. Doug, never being one to slow down, went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Idaho State University and worked at the INL until he retired in 2010.

Although he struggled with chronic pain and many ailments near the end of his life, his gentle spirit and compassionate heart always shined through any challenge. Doug constantly strived to make the lives of those around him better. He was always willing to support his friends and lend a hand to anyone in need. He often put others' interests ahead of his own and spent time volunteering free clinics in his community. At every opportunity, he would spend time with his family and friends. Doug took great pleasure in savoring the finer things in life, and he appreciated traveling and learning about new places and cultures. During his lifelong travels and adventures he always made a point to enjoy gourmet cuisine, premium drinks, and fine cigars. He loved life and never missed an opportunity to fill each moment with the people and things that were dearest to his heart.

Doug is survived by his wife, Yvonne Crotts of Idaho Falls, ID, son, James Douglas Crotts, Jr. of Idaho Falls, ID, son, Robert Douglas Brown,Jr. of Idaho Falls, ID, daughter, Taryn Marie (Jordan) Hurley of Draper, UT, brother, Tanif (Christina) Crotts of Clarksville, AR, sister, Kelia (Pete) Crotts-Moore of Lamar, AR, brother in law, Brent (Erin) Skrodenis of Little Rock, AR, mother in law, Katherine Vlassek of Phoenix, AZ and 2 grandchildren and much extended family in Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Kanna Crotts.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2018, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue The family will visit with friends from 1-1:45 p.m. prior to services. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard following the services.

Memorial Services will be held