James Croft ’51

Musician and educator James Croft ’51 died Sept. 6, 2012, in Tallahassee, Fla. He was 81.

After graduation Croft taught in Traer, Iowa, and Oshkosh, Wis. While in Oshkosh, he was the first high school band director to perform behind the Iron Curtain. After earning his Ph.D. in 1970 Croft worked at the University of South Florida, then spent 23 years as director of bands at Florida State University. During his tenure at FSU, Croft served as principal conductor and music director of the University Wind Orchestra and the Florida State Winds.

The Florida Bandmaster’s Association included him on their Role of Distinction, and he was likewise honored by the National Band Association in 2004 when they added him to their Hall of Fame. In 1989 Cornell honored Croft’s contributions to education and music with the Distinguished Achievement Award. He is survived by his wife, two children, and grandchildren.