James “Jim” McVicker Crosser, 86, of Ventura, Calif., died Jan. 29, 2015.

Born in Dupo on April 1, 1927, Jim was industrious and focused from an early age. He started working as a soda jerk at age 12, then went to work for the railroad and was the General Yardmaster’s Clerk by 16. During WWII, at 17, he entered pilot training with the Army Air Force, then transferred to the Navy Air Corps in 1945 and qualified as a pilot in a Stearman biplane.

After the war ended, Jim attended the University of Wisconsin, where he met and married Alice Corey, a marriage that lasted 38 years. He graduated and began his life-long work with Touche, Niven, Bailey, and Smart (now Deloitte-Touche), moving to Los Angeles and becoming a partner in 1964.

Jim traveled the world for Touche, including working on the set of Cleopatra in Rome, and was involved with major Hollywood figures, politicians (including President Nixon), and industrialists.

After retiring in 1990, he continued consulting into his late 70s. He was based in Budapest and Bucharest for over two years, helping organize the local Touche offices.

An avid sailor, he enjoyed sailing his boats out of Newport Beach and later Oxnard. Summers usually involved multiple family trips to Catalina. Jim stepped in to help with the Balboa Yacht Club’s budget and wound up as the Club Treasurer. His work there earned him “Member of the Year” recognition.

Jim decided to attend his Dupo High School’s 45th reunion, where he re-met former classmate Blue Brauch Foster. They married and moved to Ventura, Calif., where they have resided for 23 years.

Jim is survived by his wife; a sister, Ande (Edna Mary) Ballew; his four children, Kim Crosser, Kate Beasley, Susan Crosser, Janice Holmes; step-son Brock Foster; four grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Volpe.

Per Jim’s wishes, there will be no formal memorial service. Jim was an Honorary Sergeant with the San Diego County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association, and memorials may be made to The Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association, PO Box 421260, San Diego, CA 92142-1260.