James Melvin "Jim" Crane

"James Melvin Crane "Jim", a native of Good Hope, Mississippi, longtime resident of Baton Rouge, LA, St. Francisville, LA, and most recently of Lafayette, LA, was called home to meet his Lord on Thursday, January 25, 2018. He was 96 years old. He was the loving husband of the late Sara Leontine McKneely Crane and father of Mary Anne C. Blackburn (husband, Tom) and James H. Crane (wife, Barbara).  He was the grandfather of Megan M. Groover, Margot L. McCall, Mitchell P. McCall (Ashley), James M. Crane (Christina) Kathryn C. King, Angela C. Lalande (Dwayne), Rebecca C. Beauman (Mitch).  He loved his 14 great grandchildren and was survived by siblings Ruth C. Cannon and Murriel C. Harris (Alton).  He was preceded in death by his parents, James T. Crane and Virgie Emmons Crane; and siblings Ouida C. Liber (Joe), Charles O. Crane (Lorene), Doris C. Liber (Jim), and Grace C. Stokes (Curtis). Jim was a devout Christian and served most of his adult life as a Baptist deacon. At different times he was a member of Goodwood, First, and CrossPoint Baptist churches of Baton Rouge.  Most recently he was a member of First Baptist Church St. Francisville. Jim served in WWII in the Merchant Marine and was a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. He participated in the D Day invasion of Normandy.  Jim was awarded a basketball scholarship to attend East Central Junior College of Mississippi. Later, he attended Southeastern Louisiana University on a basketball scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree. After WWII he received a Master's in Education at Louisiana State University. He was a teacher and principal in East Baton Rouge Parish with his longest tenure as principal of Lanier Elementary School. Jim was an avid fisherman, hunter, and LSU Tiger fan. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to the visitation at First Baptist Church, 12404 Hwy. 10, St. Francisville, LA on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 from 9AM until 11AM.  The Funeral Service will follow at 11 AM.  Interment will immediately follow at Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA.  Condolences are welcome at www.rabenhorst.com.