Teacher ‘had the biggest heart’
A beloved teacher with huge heart has been remembered for living his 30 short years to the full, and ticking off his life goals.
James Michael Crosswell, known to friends and family as Jimmy, died on April 28 after he was diagnosed with leukaemia on March 8. His funeral was held before thousands of mourners at Palmerston North Boys’ High School on Tuesday, where he had taught since 2014.
He left behind a legacy of making a positive difference in many lives, his wife Jo Crosswell told those gathered.
‘‘He had the rare ability to inspire others simply by the sheer integrity he possessed.’’
He was a fantastic father, often going for walks with daughter Isla before school to give his wife a rest, she said. ‘‘Time and time again he was prepared to go the extra mile to help his colleagues and students. Even when he had to face unfair, impossible odds, Jimmy never gave up.’’
She spoke of his four life goals, which he had proudly achieved – to teach at Boys’ High, to marry, to be a father, and play for the Palmerston North Marist Old Boys rugby club.
He was buried in his Marist Old Boys club jersey.
Boys’ High rector David Bovey said Crosswell was quietly respectful, and would light up into enthusiastic spiels whenever rugby was mentioned.
Crosswell initially interviewed for a position as a history teacher, but with no experience teaching history, Bovey said. However, it was clear this was a person who would be good to have on staff. When a position came up for a PE teacher who could help establish a programme to support pupils having difficulties at school, Crosswell’s past experience working with troubled youth made him ideal, and he was called up.
‘‘He had a real empathy for those students who were struggling. Those boys came to realise he was doing it for their benefit, and he cared about them.’’
Since joining the school he became an English and social studies teacher, coached cricket, rugby and sevens, and became a College House master.
‘‘Jimmy was one of the good guys, hard working, dedicated, loyal, committed,’’ Bovey said. ‘‘At College House he was held in the highest regard by both staff and the boys. He had a wonderful way where he could give the boys stick and praise at once.’’
Old Boys Marist Palmerston North club captain Brett Davis said Crosswell began playing for the Marist juniors from 5 years old.
He played for St Peter’s first XV, the Marist Colts, Manawatu under-21s, and more than 100 senior club games.
‘‘Jimmy’s strength as a player was that he had the biggest heart and he never gave up. If we had a team of 15 Jimmys, we would never lose.
‘‘Jimmy was a natural leader, he was a man who brought teams together both on and off the field, and this reflected how respected he was.’’
Boys’ High pupils performed a full school haka in Crosswell’s honour, and his coffin was farewelled by a guard of honour from the Marist Rugby Club.
A Givealittle page has been started to help his family: givealittle.co.nz/cause/ help4jimmy.