James William Crawford

James (Jim) William Crawford, 81, of China Grove died June 23rd at Tucker House Hospice in Kannapolis NC

Jim was a Rutherford County native and a son of the late Rev. R.L. Crawford and Maude Crawford of Rutherfordton. He was a graduate of Chase High School, a member of the National Guard and worked for a while for Doncaster in Rutherfordton.  He spent most of his career in the furniture business with Sterchi’s Furniture and later Heilig-Meyers where he was a supervisor.  He would later establish Key Real Estate.

Jim met the love of his life, Bunny Towe, while working with Sterchi’s in Asheville, where she was also employed.  After their marriage, Jim’s job would take the couple to several towns, before they settled in China Grove where he would retire.

In addition to his wife Bunny, Jim is survived by faithful and loving daughter Amber C. Grumbles and son-in-law Scott Grumbles of Salisbury and two granddaughters, Tanner Grumbles and Kendall Grumbles of Charleston; two other children preceded Jim in death, an infant daughter and a son, William Brent Crawford.

Also surviving Jim are a sister Jolene Crawford Guffey (Hal) of Rutherfordton and a host of nieces and nephews who adored Jim, many who were scattered across the country.

Also preceding Jim in death were two young sisters, Helen Crawford and Inez Crawford; sisters, Irene C. Gordon (the late Edgar) of Forest City, Mildred C. Bowlin (the late Raymond) of Sparks, Nevada and three brothers, Ray Crawford (Starlyn) Don Crawford (the late Judy) and Dr. Larry Crawford (Glenda).

Jim was a member of First Baptist Church in Enochville where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, was Chairman of the Finance Committee, Benevolence Committee and was a Sunday School teacher. Jim also sang in the choir and the quartet at church. He was also a member of the China Grove Key Club.

Jim lived his life to help others and would gladly give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed one. He made it a goal to help the poor and lowly and to treat everyone with respect. He made sure those he met felt loved and cared for as he and Bunny found ways to encourage those along his life’s journey.

The couple’s disabled son Brent brought his parents great joy and delight as they spent their lives with Brent loving him, and by example, teaching those around them to accept life’s joys and challenges by trusting God.

Jim received great satisfaction as a Meals on Wheels volunteer, delivering meals along with granddaughter Tanner, and becoming acquainted with those on the meals route.

When time allowed, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and spending time with his extended family.

Jim struggled physically for the past several months, but even during those times,  he was always gentle and kind to those caring for him at the hospital and Tucker Hospice House. He wanted to make sure the caregivers had what they needed, too.

Funeral services will be Friday June 28, 2024, conducted at 2 pm at Whitney's Funeral Home in Kannapolis. The family will greet friends at 1 pm before the service.

The family request memorials be made to the Tucker Hospice House of Kannapolis where Jim and Brent (October,2012) spent the last days of their lives, surrounded by family.