James Harold Crawford

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 49 years, Florence Crawford; children, Kimberly Johnsen, Christopher Crawford and spouse, Brenda, Thomas Crawford, Corey Crawford and spouse, Joy, Louann Murphy and spouse, Brian; grandchildren, Cortney Gmuca, Joshua Morris, Jessica Morris, Kristen Nolan, Kelsey Crawford, Cody Crawford, Bailee Crawford, Kayla Gersley, Triston Crawford, Chloe Crawford, Grady Crawford, Dakota Peeler, Bailey Smith, Benjamin Smith, Camden Crawford; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Geneva Moyle; brothers, Eddie Wilson and spouse, Mary Stucker, Bobby Crawford and spouse, Gail; numerous nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him dearly.

Our Dad,

Our Dad was a man that brought smiles to many faces throughout his life which is evident here today. Most of you only knew him as a Friend, a Coach or a Teamster, but he had many other attributes, and if I can keep it together would like to share a little of those with you today.

Our Dad as a Son - Born on May 18th, 1948 to Ethel Belle Commander & James Robert Crawford. He was the youngest of 8 kids that grew up in a four bedroom house on 1st street in the Paxon district. As a little boy he quickly found a familiar role in Grandma’s garden picking vegetables for the family in the backyard. I’m sure that was one of the reasons why he loved going to the Beaver Street Farmers Market all the time. As he grew into his teenage years he told us about one job he had working in the meat department down at the corner market. Kevin we learned later on that this is where the smokehouse nickname came from (inside joke).

Our Dad as a Brother - He was one of five brothers (Bruce, Eddie, Bobby & Jerry) and three wonderful sisters (Geneva, Mickie & Lucile). The stories they shared about dad growing up are some we will never forget. Dad loved the holiday season because he knew it meant having all of his brothers and sisters together and spending time with family. All those years of him taking us to the Easter & Christmas family parties was about him showing us what it was like to be family.

Our Dad as an Athlete - Football, Baseball, Basketball & Track were the sports he enjoyed growing up and competing in high school. He was not one to share any personal achievements or accolades, but when we ran into his childhood friends and/or classmates years later they told us what kind of an athlete he truly was on and off the field. Corey tells a story about a conversation he had with another Coach during a bus ride to a game. It came up who our Dad was and his response was, “wait, your Harold Crawford’s son”, he asked Corey if he knew anything about Dad running track in school. He went on to explain that Dad was the fastest runner he ever saw and that when his track team faced Paxon’s team everyone on the bus ride over would beg the track Coach not to put them in a race with our Dad. He said he was so fast he would embarrass everyone else running.

Our Dad as a American Soldier - After high school he enlisted to serve in the US Army. Once he made it through boot camp in 1967/68 he ended up being stationed in Germany. During his tour in Germany he was called to go to war in Vietnam where he spent the most difficult 2 years of his life both physically & mentally. While serving as an E6 he did grave registration and body recovery. In 1972 he was honorably discharged from the US Army and came home to start a new chapter in his life. Coming home meant trying to forget about what happened in the war. We now know that is something every soldier never forgets.

Our Dad as a Husband - I think all of us would agree being married for 49 years takes a lot of patience & commitment. One of Dad’s commitments was that he did whatever it took too make sure the family had all the nice stuff, sometimes even at the expense of not paying the electric bill on time. There were many husband moments, but one mom shared with us recently was the day grandma called dad to let him know his ex-girlfriend from high school was coming to visit. Dad told mom about it and she was not happy. Dad saw where all of this was going so as a consolation he said that he wouldn’t dress up for her visit. Dad was a master at actions speak louder than words a quality I’m still trying to develop.

Our Dad as a Father - Well let’s say a much deserved discipline around our house came by way of a mighty swing that resembled something out of a MLB batter’s box. The younger generation has no idea what I’m talking about but the older generation understands it perfectly. He taught us that being a father is one of the toughest responsibilities you will ever have and sometimes you have to allow mistakes to happen so you’re there to pick them back up. This is where his patience set in because growing up in our house we liked to make the same mistake over and over again.

Our Dad as a Truck Driver - Dad drove over the road for Ryder PIE off of Kings Rd for 13 years. He met many of his lifelong friends at Ryder. He also met his best friend at Ryder who is here with us today named Bobby Kirkland (Soul Train). All truck drivers have a CB handle or name that is different than their own. Well our Dad’s CB name was Magic Man which was fitting for someone that new nothing about magic. I don’t know if every trucker had a signature sign off but our dad had one of the best. I’m the Magic Man, a high steppin, quick shiftin, humped over, laid back motorcycle rider from Lutawissee with love bugs on my front teeth. I can dig holes deeper, climb mountains higher than any diesel car driver that ever lived. I’m highly intimidated, sometimes impersonated but never ever duplicated. I’m a part time trucker full time lover with an answer to every woman’s prayer.

Our Dad as a Coach - Tommy and I remember the very first team Dad coach (Normandy A’s). We were introduced to six inch killers and thought Dad had lost it. It was crazy, suddenly this gentle man that we hugged on and wrestled with around the house transformed into Gunnery Sergeant Hartman out of the movie full metal jacket. Brenda reminded me of a time when he was coaching us in a game over at Lakeshore, and well let’s say there was a little disagreement and dad was ejected from the game for belly bumping the umpire. His tenure as a Coach at Normandy Park he racked up several league championships, All-Star tournaments and a State Championship. Some of those State Championship players are even here today.

Our Dad as a Teamster - Above everything else being a member of the Teamsters local 512 is where he felt his true calling. Dad was a union organizer for the Teamsters and always wanted to help people who couldn’t help themselves. He had a unique way of caring for others as if they were part of our own family. We remember the times he would take us over to one of the union trailers at NAS jax to show us off.

Our Dad as a Fighter - Most of our Dad’s life he was in an internal fight with thoughts of the duties he held back in the Army. He rarely opened up to us to share what happened during that part of his life so we can only imagine how hard that was for him. He taught us that being a fighter isn’t always about being the tough guy in the neighborhood. It’s about having the fight within you to handle life when hardships come your way.

Our dad as a Friend - I bet you thought I would never get to this one. Our Dad thrived on making friends and asked little if anything in return. He seemed to be the first in line when someone needed something and never ask why. He taught us that friendships will make you happier in every aspect of your life. Dad met a new friend this week and I’m sure they are already talking about family and the farmers market. Our family wants to thank all of you for being here today and being his friend.

A celebration of James’ life will be 10am, Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Hilcrest Baptist Church, 7673 Collins Road, Jacksonville, FL 32244 with Pastor Philip Crump officiating. Visitation will start 1 hour prior the celebration at 9am.

Mr. Crawford will be laid to rest 10am, May 18, 2017 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218 with Military Honors.

Neptune Society is in charge of his arrangements.