James Glynne Crooks

Reverend James Glynne Crooks

January 8th, 1941 – September 22nd, 2024

Jim passed unexpectantly, after a period of failing health, at the home he shared with his husband, on Germain Street in Uptown Saint John.  To say Jim was a complicated man with diverse interests, passions and experiences would be selling his life short.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother.  Jim married his high school sweetheart, Julie. They had three children.  Steven (Sandee) Crooks – Halifax, NS – Grandson Logan Crooks Lisa (Jay) Johnson – Omaha, Nebraska Heidi (Keith) Clark – Pensacola, Florida – Grandson Adam Clark

Later in life, Jim came to recognize himself as a gay man. He entered a relationship with Carl M. Trickey, and they shared life and all it had to offer for 31 years. They had a covenanting service in 1996 and were later legally married in 2005. That’s when they became Trickey-Crooks. Carl has two sons: Joel (Lindsee) Trickey – Fredericton, NB – Granddaughters Mila and Finly Marcus (Monique Comeau) Trickey – Grand Bay, NB - Grandson – Grayson

Jim was the second of five children born to Everett James Richard and Eva Mae (Graves) Crooks Verna (Stan – deceased) McKay – Fisher River, Manitoba Blair (Gayle) Crooks – Nova Scotia Darrell (Marilyn) Crooks – Halifax, Nova Scotia Nancy Crooks – Quispamsis, NB

Jim entered ministry and served congregations of the United Church of Canada for over 60 years, mostly in Nova Scotia – New Germany, Trenton, Bedford and in New Brunswick - Saint John. His passion was providing Sunday Services. Known and respected for his passionate messages and booming “Preacher Voice” he loved spreading the love of God. He was less excited about meetings but respected the fact that they were necessary and meaningful. He found great comfort in counselling individuals and families as they worked through the reality that God has a place at the table for everyone – even if you are gay!

Jim loved public speaking and helping people to gain the confidence to do so.  During his adult life he taught hundreds of adults to celebrate their newfound voice through the Christopher Leadership Course.

Jim was a Mason. Although less connected in recent years, since his move from Nova Scotia, he spoke with great passion of the work that they did and enjoyed being a part of their efforts to make the world a better place.

Jim and Carl were business owners. Bogart’s, a gay bar located on Sydney Street provided a safe space for the gay/lesbian community from 1995 - 2001. We had the best dance music to “shake your booty too” on Friday and Saturday nights. We had great Drag Shows. Jim loved to share the story of how he, portrayed Kenny Rogers and Scott - a drag queen portrayed Dolly Parton, as they lip synced “Islands in the Stream”, to a packed house. Another favorite was Jim and Carl exercising in spandex on yoga mats as Adrian Thorton portrayed Olivia Newton-John as he lip synced “Let’s Get Physical”. On quiet nights Jim enjoyed engaging patrons in conversation about their lives and their futures.

In 2001, Jim and Carl bought Mahogany Manor Bed & Breakfast on Germain Street and operated it for the last 23 years of Jim’s life. They enjoyed sharing their home with over 35,000 guests and hosting over 400 weddings/special events. In recent months, as Jim’s condition weakened, he continued to entertain guests with his knowledge of local history and happenings. It was not unusual for guests to still be at the breakfast table at 10:00 AM or later. Many of our frequent flyers were saddened to hear of Jim’s passing and shared how much they enjoyed his stories and sense of humour.

It will be my absolute pleasure, as his husband – Carl, to join family and friends on Sunday, November 17th, 2024, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the Imperial Theatre to celebrate the life of Reverend James G. Crooks – “Jimmy”. There will be a few speakers beginning at 2:15 PM followed by the opportunity to see inside the life of this ‘larger than life’ man through a series of displays that will focus on the many aspects of Jim’s life.

Refreshments will be available, and people will have the opportunity to share their favorite memories of Jim.

If you have any questions, call me at (506)648-9900 or email mmanorbb@nbnet.nb.ca