Barnstable Town Council President Jim Crocker Dies

BARNSTABLE, MA — Town Council President James Crocker died Friday afternoon at a Boston hospital. Crocker, 62, of Osterville, served on the council for 14 years and was running for re-election prior to his death. The cause of death was not immediately made clear.

"The Town of Barnstable is saddened by the sudden passing of Town Council President Jim Crocker," Barnstable officials said in a statement on the town's Facebook page. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Gail, his daughters, family and friends at this difficult time."

Crocker grew up in Barnstable and raised his family there. He's served twice as Precinct 5's town councilor, with his most recent tenure beginning in 2013. Crocker also owned Wianno Realty in Osterville and twice ran as the Republican nominee for the Cape and Islands District state senate seat.

"There will never be another quite like Jimmy," Rep. Timothy Whelan, R-Brewster said in a statement. "Pure class. Prayers go out to the Crocker family and to the citizens of the Town of Barnstable at the sudden and tragic loss of such a good man. Rest peacefully, my friend."

Crocker was gearing up for re-election in a town he told Patch was a great place to grow up and raise his family.

"My favorite thing about Barnstable is the lengthy library of stories and memories it has given me," Crocker said in his Patch candidate profile. "The smell of the seasons, all the familiar locations, and any local character's name will bring a momentary smile to my face. It had been a great place to grow up and raise a family in."