James A. Crawford

James A. Crawford, "Jim Crawford," K9 supervisor with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, returned to Spirit, Feb. 18, 2012. Jim was born April 15, 1944 in Los Angeles. A Vietnam veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee from 1961-1967. Jim bartended many years for the Sands Hotel and attended UNLV before finding his calling as a behaviorist. Jim graduated from Mandelyn Kennels in 1976 with the title of Master Dog Trainer and became a highly respected K9 behaviorist worldwide. Jim helped thousands of dogs and their owners over the years and worked with numerous law enforcement agencies and organizations, earning the respect he so richly deserved. Jim was the owner of Canine Behavior and Training Center located in Las Vegas and licensed as a state certified school for the training of helper dog's for the physically challenged. He appeared on QVC with his own video, "Who's In Charge," and provided his own dogs for use in numerous commercials, videos and movies. Jim's training included Schutzhund and protection work, narcotics detection and explosives detection. He is survived by his wife, of 28 years Tammy Jo; daughter, Hilary Lynn (Joseph) Garcia-Miranda; son, James Allen Crawford Jr.; sister, Taya (Laura) King; brother, Frank Hartl; four-legged kids, Sammy, Mia and Lilly; nephew, Matthew Ballard; and niece, Selina McGinnis. A life celebration will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at Palm Mortuary, 1600 S. Jones Blvd. Memorial Donations can be made to Nathan Adelson Hospice. Long may you run, love.