Father James Cronk

Rev. James F. Cronk died May 22, 2022. He was 78 years old, and was born June 17, 1943 in Detroit, MI to Frederic and Madeleine Cronk. Fr. Cronk was ordained a Catholic priest on June 7, 1969. His first assignment was St. Angela Parish in Roseville, followed by St. Paul on the Lake in Grosse Pointe, St. Patrick Parish in White Lake, St. Dennis Parish in Royal Oak, and then Our Lady of the Lakes Parish in Waterford. In 1989, Fr. Cronk began his most proud accomplishment, which was founding the St. James Parish in Novi. He thought it would be a great challenge, and he came to find how supportive the local area was of the new church. He was able to raise the necessary funds and attract the families that formed the foundation for the new successful parish community. Following his time at St. James, Fr. Cronk then served as pastor at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish in Beverly Hills, and then was the pastor for 11 years at St. Owen Parish in Bloomfield Hills prior to his retirement in 2020. Fr. Cronk will always be remembered by the countless individuals and families he helped during his five decades of service to the Archdiocese of Detroit and its communities.

Fr. Cronk loved to travel, especially to London and throughout Europe. He also loved the arts, including the opera, classical music, and plays.

He was the dear brother of Joan Fernane and the late Barbara Fritz and Elizabeth Chorba. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and his beloved dog, Joey.

Fr. Cronk will lay in-state Thursday 2-8pm, with prayer service 7pm, at St. Owen Catholic Church, 6869 Franklin Rd., Bloomfield Hills. In-state Friday 10am until funeral mass 11am at St. Owen. Rite of Committal Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 2:30p.m. Memorial tributes to St. Owen Catholic Church or other Catholic parish of your choice.