MICHIGAN INSURANCE
HALL OF FAME
James M. Crosby III
James M. Crosby, III, was an insurance industry leader that took his work as an independent agent seriously, and made a strong contribution to the industry and his community without looking for recognition. He worked for the Crosby & Henry Insurance Agency for 35 years, until his death in 1992.
Â
He was a mentor and advisor to the agents that worked for him. He encouraged them to pursue continuing professional education and development. He listened to others, respected differences, yet adhered to high standards of precision and ethics.
Â
Mr. Crosby was a leader in the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents at the state and local level leading to the highest honor bestowed by the association, the W.O. Hildebrand award. He made significant contributions to the growth of the associations, its legislative work, financial stability, and professional education programs.
Â
He made significant contributions to education generally, and Olivet College, in particular.  He taught other agents in seminars, guided the Olivet College insurance program through his work on its advisory committee, and guided the leadership of the college as a member of its board of trustees, and served as treasurer for the college. In his role as a trustee, he took his role very seriously, preparing detailed notes for each meeting. He also contributed to the endowed chair in Risk Management at the University of Michigan.
Â
Mr. Crosby was devoted to his family and community. He and his family considered community volunteer efforts as a normal way of life. He served as chair of the Kent County Cancer Society and Michigan Cancer annual fund drive, chair of the site committee and board of directors for the Kent County American Red Cross, trustee of the Forest Hills Public Schools Board of Education, on the executive committee of the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids, and chair of the Ada Township Planning Commission.
Â
He earned a business degree at Syracuse University, the CPA, and studied in the masters program in business at the University of Michigan. He served in the US Air Force.
Â
The legacy of James M. Crosby, III, continues on, in the form of a permanently endowed scholarship for insurance students.