James Crawford

James Aubrey Crawford II, October 26, 1971 – December 28, 2020, passed away at DCH Regional Medical Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2021, at Sunset Funeral Home with Pastor Sandra Burroughs officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery in Gordo with Sunset Funeral Home, a Dignity Provider, directing the service. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

He was preceded in death by his father, James A. Crawford (Red); grandfather, Rodrick S. Boler; grandmother, Mary R. Boler; grandfather, Johnny I. Crawford; grandmother, Dessie M. Crawford and nephew, Brandon Emfinger.

He was survived by his mother, Sharleen B. Hix (Northport); sisters; Carla Crawford Smalley (Tuscaloosa); Elizabeth Hernandez (Tuscaloosa), Scarlett Tillet (Texas); brothers; Aubrey D. Crawford (Florida) and Jason Crawford (Texas); Nieces; Jordan L. Smalley, Savannah G. Smalley and Janell Colburn; Great Niece, Katherine A. Simmons.

James was a TCHS Alumni 1990, Member of Northport Heritage Society. He was the owner and editor in chief at the Tuscaloosa’s Old Southern Times Magazine, held at B.A. in Communications/Journalism at The University of Alabama, Associates Degree in Science, Associate Degree in Applied Science in Information Technology, Associate Degree in Web Master at Shelton State Community College. He was also a professional freelance publisher, graphic designer and photographer. His passion was to educate others, especially the younger generation about Tuscaloosa and Northport’s rich past in local history also he was instrumental in the beginning of the Shelton State Courier in 1997.

He worked tirelessly on the Old Southern Magazine until early 2011 when he ceased publication due to health issues. The slogan of the magazine was “Every person and place has a story to tell.” James was full of great stories and he amused us all. He was very gifted with helping others to tell their stories or writing for them if the person was not able to do so.

He was also an avid sci-fi fan and comic book collector. He loved Marvel and Star Wars movies and knew all the back stories for them all. No matter the subject, if he was interested in it, he went all in. James never did anything half-way. He had the most booming voice that matched his personality. He loved his Merle Haggard music. James touched so many people’s lives while here in this life. His family and friends were always so important to him and the relationships he had with each of them. His families’ genealogy was important, and he worked on his family lineage and collecting pictures and documents up to he was not able to do so. James left his imprint on all lives he encountered. James’s favorite saying was, “Just a humble poet & scribbler”.

His story is now complete, but he will always be remembered in our hearts.

Pallbearers will be John Newman, Bobby Boler, Chris Cox, Michael Talerico, Wayne Gay, Jr., and Sid Bolton

Honorary pallbearers are his best friend Neva Newman, Jason Townsend, Dr. Jim Kenny, Preston Simmons, Bailey Davis, Carroll’s Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Dr. Bostic, Manderson Cancer Center.