Born to the late Fred M. Crane and Elma Dora Powers Crane in North Chattanooga, he spent his life in the Chattanooga area. He retired from ABB Combustion Engineering in 1993 after 37 years of employment. He was the field service welding program manager. He traveled the world working in hundreds nuclear sites over the years. Jim held 32 ASME welding certifications and had 2 technical publications. He was called upon many years after retirement for his knowledge and ability to assess, repair and educate those in the nuclear field. Though he was known to be able to fix anything, he loved the nuclear field, his travels and friendships with coworkers were memories he cherished and shared even in his last days.
Jim was a lifelong member of The Ministry Center, formally North Chattanooga Church of God. He served on many committees and classes throughout his life.
Jim was the rock of the family. One of Jim’s greatest attributes was his devotion to his family and love for Jesus Christ. His legacy is that of unconditional love, support, and huge sense of humor. His quick wit and huge smile were something you could always count on. He was humble and kind to everyone he met. Always sharing his faith in Jesus and desire to lead them to a relationship with God as he had.
Jim's wife of 71 years, Nancy, preceded him in death by only 16 days. He was also preceded in death by his son, James E. “Eddie” Crane.
Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Darline (Tim) McGinnis and Angie (Brian) Lowery; grandchildren, TC (Rosie) Tolbert, Julie (Brad) Nelson, Austin (Abigail) Moore and Ryan Moore. He had one great grandson James Moore.
The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Jim's life will follow at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the North Chapel with Reverend Phil Harris and Reverend Gerald Holloway officiating. The burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Ministry Center, 2929 Hamill Road, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
