John A. Karim

John Abdul Karim (John Robert Crockett), son of the late Frederick Crockett and Carrie Robinson Crockett was born December 17, 1921 in Baltimore, Maryland. John was the third of eight siblings; four sisters and three brothers. On the evening of February 27, 2018, God in his divine wisdom, called John to eternal rest. John was preceded in death by three sisters; Hazel Hyman, Doris Hawkins, and Minnie Bell White and two brothers, Wardell Crockett and Alvin Crockett. John was educated in the Baltimore City Schools and was raised in South Baltimore, near Babe Ruth's birthplace. In 1940, John married his sweetheart, Leona Maria Ballard and from this union six children were born, three boys and three girls. In 1942, John entered the United States Army during World War II, where he served until he was honorably discharged in 1943. In 1947, the Crockett family moved across from Morning Star Baptist Church which became the family church. Later, the family moved to Edmondson Village, where John resided until the time of his passing. John had an extensive and varied work history. One of John's first jobs was with the Civilian Contractor Company (CCC) in Baltimore and later in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania. John was then employed by the Federal Government at Edgewood Arsenal, MD. His federal work experience continued when he was hired by the Social Administration as a Warehouse Foreman in Woodlawn, MD. He retired in 1985 after 38 years of service. After retirement, he realized his dream of entrepreneurship and opened his consignment store, J.A. Karim's Real Deal. John accepted Islam and joined the Nation of Islam in 1958. He was introduced to Islam by Daniel Hamidullah (deceased). John was greatly impressed by the unity in the Muslim Community, both here and in other cities. While attending Savior's Day in Chicago, John had the opportunity to shake the hand of both the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, leader of the Nation of Islam and Imama W. Mohammad. John also met Malcolm X and Muhammed Ali in Baltimore. John worshipped at several masjids in the Baltimore area. Initially, he attended the masjid on Wilson St. Later, he moved to the masjid at North and Hilton Streets and finally, he worshipped at I Can't We Can Counseling Center. John wore many hats in the Muslim community and he mentored many younger brothers in Islam. He was honored several times as one of the pioneers of Islam in the State of Maryland. As a young man,John loved boxing and he saw matches on television. He admired boxing greats: Joe Louis. Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Ezzard Charles. John had an extensive "Ring" magazine collection. One of his highlights was meeting and discussing boxing with Larry Holmes (former heavyweight champion of the world), his cousin's son-in-law, John was also an avid Jazz music lover and he had a respectable collection of Jazz albums. Over the years, John attended numerous Jazz concerts: Sarah Vaughn, Cab Callaway, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Chick Webb. He had a remarkable memory of the artist's names, title of compositions, and the lyrics. John was well-versed in history and current events, and enjoyed discussing politics. Due to his understanding of our history, John had a strong dislike for seeing young people standing aimlessly around on street corners and he never hesitated to state his feelings. One of his most memorable occasions was his 95th birthday celebration, where he was surrounded by loving family and friends. John loved his family very much and had a loving relationship with his children and his siblings. He was very proud of his family's accomplishments and never failed to offer his support and impart his wisdom. John was preceded in death by his Loving wife, Leona Maria Crockett, his son Clinton Collins Crockett and his grandson Iszard. John leaves to cherish his memory his devoted family; sons Iszard and Ronald (Roberta) and daughters Charlestau, Deborah, and Fernetta (Melvin). His Loving Siblings, one Brother, James Crockett and one sister, Ethel Ford, one brother-in-law Floyd Ballard, one cousin Robert Lee Robinson (Mary), 18 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, members of the Muslim American Society, and extended family and friends.

Tributes

John A. Karim

December 17, 1921 - February 27, 2018