John Earl Crutcher

Crutcher, John, 83, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away on April 11, 2017. John Earl Crutcher, at the age of 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 11, 2017, at 5 am while under the care of Hospice. John leaves behind many loved ones who cared for him deeply. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Christa, two sons, Jim and Gary, as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren and in-laws, who he treated as his daughters. John was born in Beaumont, TX, where he told all of us stories of his mother's amazing cooking and his father's skills as a hunter, builder and provider. As a young man he enjoyed reading any book he could get his hands on: education, fishing, basketball and, yes, even wrestling gators! With a very high IQ, he graduated from high school at 16, excelling in math and science. At 16, he lied about his age and joined the Army. They caught him and kicked him out. He reenlisted when he turned 18 and proudly served for 20 years. He was on a team of other highly intelligent men who maintained and set up the radar and computer systems for the military. He met the love of his life, Christa, while stationed in Germany. Shortly after that they were wed and started raising their family of three sons, Paul, Jim and Gary. After 20 years in the military, living everywhere from Okinawa, Japan, to Fort Ord, CA, he retired and set down roots in Phoenix, AZ. With a degree in electrical engineering, he took a job building and designing electrical components for computers at the dawn of the computer age. He taught his boys how to fix anything from an appliance to an old Ford truck. He raised three gearhead boys, who all went on to have successful careers in the automotive industry. My Uncle Gary shared a funny story about his dad when he was eight. Gary decided to take apart the lawnmower to understand how it worked. He got in over his head and his brothers Paul and Jim wouldn't help him put it back together. They said, "Boy, are you in trouble when Dad gets home." John did not scold Gary, but instead used that as a lesson to teach him how to put it back together as well as how it worked. Gary can now fix anything that can be fixed. My Uncle Jim shared a funny story involving a 1969 Chevelle SS 396 ci. When John's best friend had to move away for a while, he entrusted John to take care of his car. Paul and Jim were so excited to see a car like that, they begged their dad to take them for a ride and open it up! John was such a responsible man, he always did the right thing. He disabled the two secondary barrels in the four barrel-carburetor so that the power couldn't be unleashed! As a grandfather he was loving and caring, lighting up every time he saw his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He taught us all about computers, helped us with math and was there for us whenever we needed anything. My sister Christa and I saw every episode of Perry Mason with Grandpa at least three times. He loved his family, was proud of his family and was there for his family, always. His love for his wife, Christa, is one of the deepest, most touching and heartfelt relationships I have ever witnessed. That special relationship has taught me how strong and powerful love is. We miss you and love you very much, and always will, Grandpa. It brings us great joy to know you are eating lunch with your mom, fishing with your dad and camping with my dad. Tell everyone there we love and miss them, too. Jess. Survived by his wife Christa, sons Gary and Jim and a whole bunch of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Private family service.