Reverend James Sheldon Crady

He was born October 11, 1928, to Herman and Audrey (Harwood) Crady in Prairie du Chien, WI. In 1949, he married Florence M. "Margaret" Tufts, his faithful and loving wife of 72 years.

They had 5 children together.

James and his wife served as missionaries to Brazil, South America (1952 - 1970) and in the US home office (1970 - 1993), of Brazil Gospel Fellowship Mission. After retiring in 1993 he continued to volunteer for BGFM well into his 80s. He also served the Lord with Bible study groups, filling the pulpit in smaller churches, and as a guest preacher in churches, colleges, camps, and much more.

James loved fishing, gardening, cooking, eating, and joking. He loved his wife and family, but most of all he loved the Lord and spent hours studying the Bible. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Florence M. "Margaret" Crady; daughter, Susan Christina Crady; parents, Herman and Audrey (Harwood) Crady; siblings, Daniel, David, Patricia, Stephen, Paul, and Timothy; and two daughters-in-law, Roselee and Joyce Crady.

James is survived by his children, Judith (Tom) Blalock, Steve (Cheryl) Crady, Don (Michele) Crady, and Dennis (Pam) Crady; six grandchildren, Jayson Crady, Kellee (Grant) Keys, Kendra (Rich) Blalock, Lesli (Ian) Dean, Robert (Angela) Crady, and Sarah Blalock; eight great grandchildren, Ezra, Evie, Elias, Eden, Olivia, Ava, Liam, and Lyla; and several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 19, 2025, at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield, IL 62704, until the time of the Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Gary Gilley officiating. Those who wish to view the livestream of the service may do so by visiting https://www.facebook.com/ButlerFuneralHomes/

Burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, 1735 S. Camp Butler Rd., Springfield, IL 62707.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the: BGFM-Silver Lake Bible Camp (Brazil, South America), P.O. Box 355, Springfield, IL. 62705-0355.