James Parnell Crawford

He was born on May 31, 1937, the eldest of 4 children to Donald and Anna Mae (Ross) Crawford in Beattyville, Kentucky. He was raised in both the Lincoln Heights and Milford areas of Ohio and graduated from Lockland Wayne High School in 1956. After high school, he joined the US Air Force and worked in Aircraft Control and Warning. After four years of honorable service, he worked for The Keebler Company in Cincinnati. In 1971, he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Industrial Education from Central State University. He was recruited out of college by the Social Security administration working as a field representative where his exemplary efforts earned him the Commissioner's Citation. After his retirement from the Social Security Administration, he then became a school bus driver with the Princeton City School District in Cincinnati and owned his own photography business. He was a private pilot, liked to draw, entered Senior Olympic pool tournaments and was a Mason for 50 years.

James is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Skelton; grandchildren Jonathan Skelton, Rachel Skelton, Leah Skelton; sisters Linda Oliver, Louise Boyd, Frieda Hancock, Joyce Adams, Melissa Chambers; brothers Joel Chambers, Paul Chambers, John Chambers, Louis Chambers, Jerry Mack; Aunt Lillian Crawford Gay; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Anna; sister Ellen Chambers ; brothers Charles Crawford, Gourley (PeeWee) Crawford, Richard Chambers, Robert (Bobby) Chambers.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, November 5, from 9 am until 11 am, followed by funeral service with military honors at Valley of the Sun Mortuary in Chandler.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that remembrances be made to the MLK Lodge #29, PO Box 2654 Chandler, AZ 85225.

Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.