James Bartell Cronin

James “Jim” Bartell Cronin was born on December 13, 1952, in Drewsey, Oregon, to Patrick and Joyce Cronin. His childhood was filled with outdoor adventures; buckarooing, hunting, fishing, and sports, experiences that shaped a life grounded in hard work, humility, compassion, and a deep love for family and the outdoors.Jim attended elementary and middle school in Hines before beginning high school at Burns Union High School. When his family relocated to Winston, Oregon, he completed his education at Douglas High School. During those years, his talent as a left-handed pitcher caught the attention of scouts, and he was recruited to play Minor League Baseball in the Pacific Coast League out of Everett, Washington. Yet Jim chose a different path; one centered on love, commitment, and family. He remained in Oregon and married Darlene Walker, the love of his life. Together they shared 56 wonderful years filled with laughter, adventure, unwavering partnership, and deep devotion to their children and grandchildren.Jim’s work ethic was forged early. As a young man, he worked as a ranch hand, cow and horse wrangler, and farm hand in Drewsey, and later in the lumber mills of Roseburg while attending high school. Those experiences built the integrity, perseverance, and quiet strength that defined him throughout his life. His career included work as a meter reader in Burns, a lineman apprenticeship in La Grande, a licensed lineman in John Day and Burns for CP National Electric, and ultimately serving as a crew foreman for Oregon Trail Electric until his retirement in 2016.Above all else, Jim was devoted to his family. He was a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose steady presence made others feel cared for and supported. He was known for his kindness, generosity, quick wit, and willingness to help anyone in need. Whether offering advice, lending a hand, sharing a story, or simply showing up when it mattered most, Jim made people feel valued and welcomed. His grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, pass along traditions, and create lasting memories.Jim is survived by his daughter, Corrie Hopper and her husband Dan, and their children Max, Sam, and Josie; his son, Ty Cronin and his wife Anna, and their children Henry and Cru; his brother Joe Cronin and sister Candace Tiller, along with their spouses Gay Cronin and Kim Tiller and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick Charles Cronin and Lavina Joyce Cronin.A devoted member of the Burns Elks Lodge, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Harney County Golf Course community, Jim gave generously of his time and heart. He coached Little League baseball and youth basketball, faithfully supported his children in all of their pursuits, and served as a hunting guide throughout Northeast Oregon. Hunting and fishing were more than hobbies to Jim, they were treasured traditions that connected generations and created lifelong bonds. He also cherished weekly card games, dinners with friends, woodworking, and embracing life with gratitude and humor.

Jim passed away on May 14, 2026, surrounded by the people he loved most. His strength, compassion, loyalty, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.A celebration of life will be held at the Burns Elks Lodge on June 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM.In lieu of flowers, donations are greatly appreciated for Harney County Hospice and the Jim Cronin Lineman’s Apprenticeship Scholarship Fund.