James Milton Crocker Jr., 74, of Waynesville, North Carolina, a U.S. Army veteran of Korea, band director of Waynesville Township High School throughout the 1960s and 70s, died on Saturday, April 5, 2003.

The Tuscola High School Band has a long history of excellence. From its beginnings as the Waynesville Township Band, it has thrived and become an integral part of the community. Being one of the oldest programs in the state, the band has consistently been considered one of North Carolina's finest.
Under the leadership of past outstanding directors such as James Crocker, the band received numerous superior ratings at the coveted Bristol, Tennessee championships and performed at President Lyndon Johnson's inaugural parade. The marching band has also been a finalist at Bands of America national and regional events.