James M. Crawford

James (Jim) Crawford, 86, of Grandfalls, passed away at home on December 28, 2024. Jim was born in Mason, Texas to Frank and Ruth Crawford on January 18, 1938. He attended school and graduated from high school in Rochelle, Texas. He moved to Monahans, Texas where he married and raised three daughters. He worked for El Paso Natural Gas for 36 years. Once retired from El Paso, he ran his own gas measurement business. Later, he joined Blackhawk in Wickett, where he worked PR for the company. 

Jim was in the National Guard, a member of the Order of Eagles, and a member of the Grandfalls Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce. He also served as mayor and councilman for the City of Grandfalls as well as being a member of The West Texas Trail Riders Association. 

Jim married his wife, Jeannie, on November 10, 1984, in Grandfalls, Texas, and had recently celebrated 40 years of marriage. They spent many years traveling in their RV with their beloved pets, and they never met a stranger. Jim loved his family, friends, classic country music, and football. 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruth Crawford, sister Betty Lou, brothers Frank and Daniel, and daughter Belinda Wristen Burns. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeannie; daughters Debbie Liggitt and husband Tommy of Dallas; Rhonda Hogan and husband Darrell of Ennis; Carrie Andrews and husband Brad of Mexia; Sandra Burke of Odessa; and Pam Wristen of Grandfalls. He also leaves behind two loved pets (aka his kids) Tootsie and Coco. Jim had many wonderful grandchildren: Meaghan Blair, Carleigh Williams, Callee Martinez, Cade Andrews, Chris Bowden, Rex Murphy, Ryan Guillory, Sean Guillory, Alexandra Burke, Augustyn Blake, Brandon Arriola, and Gunner Burns. Also, nephews and nieces Sean Crawford, Michael Crawford, Kenneth Wayne Calley, Bobby Calley, Carol Davis, and Kay Sumruld. 

Jim was highly admired and respected by everyone who knew him. He had a head for numbers too. He could tell everyone’s birthday and how old they were. Jim could give statistics of the Dallas Cowboys (and other teams), since he watched them play for so many years. He mentored many young people about the gas measurement and oil field business, some of which make their living in those fields today. 

Our hearts are broken as we gather together for comfort and strength. Faith in God along with thoughts, hugs, and prayers being received helps us in our time of grief. There will be some smiles, joy, and laughter as well because Jim brought us so many years of those whenever he was around! No words can express how much he will be missed.