Publications manager coached youth sports

4/5/2005

BRYAN - James A. Crawford, 53, a former baseball and softball coach in the youth league here who was also active in the Bryan Thunderdome remote-controlled car racing club, died Saturday in the Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers-Bryan.

He died of complications from a stroke, family members said.

Born in Wauseon, Mr. Crawford attended public schools and graduated from Wauseon High School in 1969. He then attended Bowling Green State University, receiving a bachelor's degree in the 1970s.

"He was a very loving, caring, and loyal friend," said Sue Crawford, his wife. They married Oct. 16, 1976.

Mr. Crawford worked at Ingersoll-Rand Fluid Products Corp. in Bryan as a manager of technical publications until he retired in 1999, after suffering a stroke.

Mr. Crawford liked spending time with his children, and that's why he got involved in coaching the youth baseball and softball leagues, said his wife.

"He enjoyed music and cars," she said. "He started playing the guitar as young boy." His wife said that he belonged to several classic rock bands, in which he played bass and loved to sing.

A member of Trinity Lutheran Church, he was also a member of the Fountain City and National Council Corvette clubs.

Surviving are his wife, Sue Crawford; daughter, Jaclyn; son, Jon; a nephew; and five nieces.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow in Trinity Lutheran Church, Bryan, where memorial services will be held at 6 p.m.

Krill Funeral Service in Bryan is handling the arrangements.

The family suggests tributes to Trinity Lutheran Church.