James Albert Critchfield Jr, Esquire, 98, Somerset, passed away May 12, 2024, at The Patriot Manor.   Born March 1, 1926, in Somerset, to James Albert, and Sue Ellen (Pyle) Critchfield, James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Miriam Negley Critchfield, and older brothers, Donald A. Critchfield and Robert Wayne Critchfield. He is survived by his son Richard N. Critchfield (Nancy), of Somerset; and daughters, Elizabeth Critchfield Walther, of Somerset; and Anne Critchfield Hart, of Salt Lake City, Utah; four grandchildren; Mary Elizabeth Critchfield (Marybeth), James Albert Critchfield III, Zia Alice Walther, and Andrew James Hart. James attended Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg PA, graduating in 1944. He attended Dartmouth College in Hanover NH, graduating in 1949. He was a graduate from Dickinson Law school in Carlisle PA. Before attending Dartmouth, he entered the United States Army Air Corps, in 1944, where he was stationed in Kessler Air Force Base in Mississippi waiting for his orders to serve overseas when World War II ended. He was decorated with the American Theater Ribbon. In 2000, he was recognized by the Pennsylvania Bar Association for 50 years of active practice. He is perhaps best known for co-founding the Coal Operator's Casualty Co. in 1957 along with the late Col. W. John Stiteler Jr. and his late brother Atty. Robert Wayne Critchfield.  The company, later known as Rockwood Insurance Co., specialized in workman's compensation insurance. James later became the president of Westmoreland Casualty in Greensburg PA where he worked until he retired. James was a long-time member of the Somerset Bar Association. He was a prior board member of Southwest National Bank which was later purchased by First Commonwealth Bank. He was a member of the Somerset Lodge 358 Free and accepted masons. He is a PA registered member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He had a passion for fishing and traveling. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. Skippy, as his grandchildren called him, celebrated a long and wonderful life. Friends received 2-5 p.m. Friday at the Hauger-Zeigler Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Somerset. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to The Historical Society of Somerset County PA. 10649 Somerset Pike, Somerset, PA 15501. To leave a condolence please visit www.haugerzeigler.com