Educator, Builder, and Leader of Granger: The Legacy of James A. Crookston
James A. Crookston (1928–2019)
Beloved Teacher, Church Leader, Builder, and Lifelong Granger Resident
James A. Crookston devoted his life to learning, leadership, and service. Born in Salt Lake, Jim grew up in a close-knit family that valued hard work, faith, and time together in the great outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and exploring Utah’s canyons, and from an early age learned practical skills from his father—building, gardening, and working with his hands.
He graduated from South High, just before the end of World War II. After serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 46’ to 47’, he went on to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Argentina, where he developed a lifelong love for the people and their culture. He later returned to serve another mission with his wife, Lucy, in southern Portugal and the Cape Verde Islands.
Jim married DeLilah “Lucy” Fuller in the Mesa, Arizona in 57’. Together they raised six children in their Granger home, which they purchased in 1955 on 3100 South. Their home quickly became a neighborhood landmark filled with fruit trees, flowers, and the laughter of family and friends.
After earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Utah, James began his 34-year career in the Granite School District. He taught fifth and sixth grade at Monroe, Canyon Rim, Cottonwood, and Plymouth Elementary Schools and later served as Media Coordinator at Plymouth. Known for his kindness, steady leadership, and deep concern for every child, “Mr. Crookston” inspired generations of students to work hard, love learning, and serve others.
Faith and service guided every part of his life. He served as both Bishop and Stake President of the Granger East Stake, leading with humility and compassion. A skilled craftsman, he was instrumental in planning and constructing an enormous mountain lodge for the stake as well as the beloved family cabin at Brighton—a project that became a family tradition.
Jim and Lucy shared a love for square dancing, gardening, and spending time in Utah’s mountains. Their Brighton cabin eventually became their full-time home, where they welcomed family, friends, and even the occasional moose or deer.
When James Crookston passed away in 2019, he left behind a legacy of faith, integrity, and service. He is remembered as a beloved teacher, devoted husband and father, and respected community leader—an example of a life beautifully built upon education, hard work, and love for others.
