James Crawford Jr.

Mr. James Crawford, Jr., known to his close friends and family as “Bootsie,” was the oldest child born to the late James William Crawford, Sr. and Lucille James on December 2, 1937 in Florence, SC. He attended school in Florence but immediately after graduation joined the military where he started his service in the Army at the age of 16.

After serving in the military for a number of years, James left and moved to New York in 1966. There he started working at Republic Steel in Buffalo, New York until 1982. Being young and industrious, James also got an Electrical Engineering Degree in 1978. However James missed his family and his home; so he moved back to Florence in 1982. He then moved to Maryland in 1990 to assume his responsibility of assisting with the care of his aging parents.  He stayed in Maryland until 2009, moving back to Florence where he officially retired.  Upon retirement, this gave him more time to attend as many Wilson Tiger games as he could.  He was a really big Wilson Tiger fan!

While in Maryland, James became an avid bible reader and knew he found the truth. He dedicated his life to Jehovah in 2001. His greatest love was his devotion and loyalty to Jehovah, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses which he cherished until his final days. James continued to preach and teach others about the bible even during his illness, helping others to learn about Jehovah and his future of a resurrection hope.

In March of 2015, James life changed again when he met and married the love of his life and spiritual partner, Gerry Madison. They loyally served Jehovah side by side until his death. James served as a Ministerial Servant and Auxiliary Pioneer for several years until his death.

James was preceded in death by his parents James Crawford and Lucille James and one grandson, Ricky M. Johnson, Jr.  Left to cherish his memory is his wife Gerry Crawford of the home, and his five children: Purnell Hellamns, Delores Pugh Crawford, Anthony (Denise) Crawford, Priscilla (Leroy) Jones, Lucillia Johnson; His extended children:  Kahli (Lydia) Madison, Kirton Madison, Koyce (Octavius) Warren and Kendall Madison.

He will be greatly missed by his beautiful grandchildren: Shanay Hellamns, Willie Steele, Seth Meeks, Deborah Meeks, Anthony J. Crawford, Jr, Tamal Crawford, Lamont Crawford, Cedric T. Jones, Sr, Braxton L. Jones, Kimberly Belt, Thomas Belt, Cameron D. Broadway, Imoni Wilson, Zykell Madison, Zira Madison, Zaniya Madison, Irick Wilson, Rakyah Madison and Cameron Madison.

Also his great grandchildren: Dedric Jones, Khamani Steele, Olivia Hudson, Caleb C Jones, Cedric T Jones, Jr, Brandon R. Jones, Tylann M. Belt, Ammerie R. M. Jones, Gianni Steele, Nori Hellamns and Zakari Madison. 

Also three special cousins: Ann Collins, John Douglas and Rufus Abraham as well as two close loving friends--Johnny Brown and Curly.

Saturday November 20,2021 there will be a zoom memorial.

The  Zoom Meeting details for the memorial service :

James Crawford Memorial Service
Time: Nov 20, 2021 01:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 847 8933 5013
Passcode: Crawford

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