James Marion Crawford

James Crawford, 79 A Missourian through and through...James M. Crawford epitomizes the premise of the Great "Show - Me" State, as his lifetime of activities and actions proves to his friends, as well as his detractors, that he is a man of his word, a man of hard work, and a man who gives back. A seemingly rough and tumble exterior (that could have survived easily on Missouri's early frontier)...melts quickly around his his grandchildren and family.....then serves up a person of deep knowledge, vast understanding, and heartfelt caring; only a few get to see. Born in St. Joseph, Missouri on August 4, 1944... Jim was cared for by his mother, Helen and her sister. Jim's father, Ralph was serving his country overseas. His B-17 had been shot down in France and Ralph was presumed dead. Later communication arrived that Jim's father was recovering in a hospital in Spain. Raised primarily on southern Iowa farmlands, Jim accepted Christ a young age. Jim was educated at Clarinda High School and Iowa Western College. His interest in government began at an early age, as he served as President of the Young Republicans at Iowa Western. After college, his governmental interest continued as he enlisted in the United States Air Force in October of 1962. Assigned to the Civilian Air Force, Jim was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. He was then transferred to the U.S. Air Force/State Department (a military advisory group) in Belgium as part of the Head Start Program. This group was assigned to relocate the Supreme Allied Powers/Europe (SAPE) and NATO Operations from France to Brussels. Discharged from military service in 1966, Jim returned home to sit for the securities examination, and promptly became stockbroker. IDS/American Express utilized Jim the next five years as a district manager in Hastings, Nebraska and Springfield, Missouri. In 1971, while living in Springfield, Jim left the securities business to dabble in real estate development, construction projects and various enterprises that would find him either at the very top of his game... or at the very bottom. However, in 1979 Jim joined a newly created company that was designed to help individuals and/or families BEFORE they needed it most...and that was by pre-planning and pre-arranging one's own funeral ceremony. The company known as National Prearranged Services began in 1979. Many business organizations have benefited from his membership such as the Missouri Funeral Directors Association, and other Funeral Director Associations in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Texas. Like other unselfish leaders, Jim's desire to give back is not limited. An established fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer's Foundation, and AIDS Research are just a few of the many charities that called on Jim. Civic memberships include Rotary International, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Elks Club. Over the years, Jim's interest in government did not wane. Many would be politicians, Governors, Senators, Representatives, and city/county officials have sought Jim's advice and counsel. His fundraising abilities were often sough for their own causes or campaigns. Never one to shy away from making government more accountable, more accessible, and more affordable for Missouri citizens....Jim has supported various candidates (from both political parties) if he shared their vision for a better Missouri. Never too busy to put aside his own interests to help others....Jim was recommended by Governor Bond for both a Senate and House Resolution honoring him for his life-saving efforts to complete strangers. In January 1984 Jim was passing through Concordia, Missouri when a desperate man was crying for help as his wife lay on the ground dying with a heart attack. A others simply stood by, Jim administered CPR until the ambulance arrived and successfully transported her safely to the nearest hospital. And most recently received a coveted Honorary Award. CEO for NPS for 24 years Jim regularly made time to study artifacts. As a member of the Greater St. Louis Archeological Society and the Iowa Archeological Society, Jim has studied and hunted for artifacts and relics from the Gulf of Mexico to Minnesota concentrating heavily in Missouri, Arkansas, and Iowa. Jim was married to Elaine and they have four sons, Ralph, Alex Crawford and his step-sons; Steve and Scott James. A daughter-in-law Cherie, 3 grandchildren Gage, Lauren and Carolina. Sister: Janet Clark and step-brother: Randy Fugle

James Marion Crawford

August 4, 1944 - November 10, 2023