January 8, 1946 - October 22, 2014
Monday, October 27, 2014
Eleven Oclock in the Morning
OLD STORM BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH
165 Storm Branch Road
North Augusta, South Carolina

Reverend Martris Mims, Pastor
Dr. Courtney Crawford, Presiding
Reverend Douglas Slaughter, Eulogist
^ iSekvice ol fffcemembtimw
PRESIDING, DR. COURTNEY CRAWFORD
There is a right time for everything: a time to be born, a time to die
- Ecclesiastes 3:1 -
Musical Prelude............................................................Mr. Ellis Johnson
The Old Testament...............................................Mr. DeMaggio (Nick) Nichols
The New Testament.............................................................Mr. Irle Jones
Prayer of Comfort....................................................Reverend Martris Mims
Pastor, Old Storm Branch Baptist Church
Solo........................................................Mr. Ralph Beard, Brother-In-Law
Reflections.....................................................Dr. Courtney Crawford, Son
Mr. Hardie Jones, Friend
Representative Brian Prince, Friend
Mr. Tommie Williams, Friend
Dr. Sam Sullivan, Friend
Musical Selection...............................................................Mr. Fred Williams
Musical Director, Second Baptist Church
Aiken, South Carolina
Eulogy...............................................................Reverend Douglas Slaughter
Pastor, Second Baptist Church
Aiken, South Carolina
Dismissal ................................................................Reverend Martris Mims
Pastor, Old Storm Branch Baptist Church
- FELLOWSHIP AND REPAST -
Old Storm Branch Baptist Church
Family Life Center
James Maurice Crawford was born on January 8, 1946 in Boligee, Alabama. Jim, as he was known
to most, completed his early education in Cleveland, Ohio, attending Washington Irvin Elementary
School, Rawlings Junior High School and John Adams High School. He graduated from Ohio
University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, and received a Master of
Arts Degree from Occidental College in Los Angeles, California.
James was a corporate officer of the Principal Financial Group (PFG) from 1985 until his retirement
in 2009. Beginning in 1988, he oversaw the companys public affairs programs, including grassroots
legislative advocacy efforts; public affairs communications; and facilitated the development of the
companys public policy positions. He led the companys Iowa lobbying team during the 2007 and
2008 Iowa Legislative Sessions. He was also the director of strategic development for PFG from 1985
through 1988. Prior to his employment with PFG, he served as the assistant to the corporate chief
financial officer, and subsequently the financial planning manager - Midwest Service Center - for
the Equitable Life Assurance Company, in Des Moines, Iowa for three years. He also served as a
presidential appointee in the Carter Administration in positions with the U.S. Departments of Health
and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development. In the early years of his career, James
worked as a senior legislative counsel (lobbyist) for the National League of Cities. He also worked as
director of program development for Washington Technical Institute (now part of the University of
the District of Columbia), and as director/executive secretary for the National Association of Schools
for Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), and held senior staff positions for the mayors of
two large cities.
Although James received many awards and honors, he was especially proud of his selection as a
National Urban Fellow, Yale University. He was the youngest person ever accepted into this program.
The U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services Secretarys Achievement Award was also a special
accomplishment for him.
James never met a stranger. He embraced everyone that he met and, very soon, they would become
a friend. He loved people, especially children, and he felt his true calling was to involve himself in
any and all things to help make this world a better place.
He worked tirelessly in numerous organizations as board member and leader of significant initiatives.
James used his natural talent for fundraising to advance the mission of these groups. While working
with the University of Iowa REACH Program, he led efforts to secure major corporate funding for
this program during its start up years. As a member of the Governors Conference on Aging (State
of Iowa), he developed a fundraising strategy which resulted in very successful campaigns for this
statewide conference. The Central Iowa Division of American Red Cross honored him as 2005
Volunteer of the year. While serving on the Board of Children and Families of Iowa and Chair of
its foundation, in partnership with the former Vice Chairman of the Principal Financial Group, he
implemented a major capital campaign which resulted in the building of a new CFI headquarters,
child development center, family violence center, and other significant projects.
Education was always a focus for James and he expended much energy in promoting and providing
quality education for all. He served on the Des Moines Area Community College Board. He was the
first African-American to be appointed to this colleges Board of Trustees and subsequently elected
by voters of the Cities of Urbandale and West Des Moines, Iowa to serve in this role. James enjoyed
his membership on the Parents Council of Washington University (St. Louis). Even after he left the
council, he would annually identify and work with at least one junior or graduating senior from a
Des Moines area high school to provide guidance and help in applying to Washington University, or
other universities, as a scholarship candidate.
There were moments when he questioned whether he should reduce his involvement and decline
requests to become involved with more organizations. But his desire to impact change persisted
as he worked with United Negro College Fund, Iowa Society to Prevent Blindness, Beacon of Life
Residential Center for Women, and housing projects for the elderly.
While attending Ohio University, James became affiliated with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. In
fact, he was one of the founding members of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter which was chartered
March 5, 1966 at Ohio University. Those who knew him well, know that he was a proud Kappa
Man and life member of the fraternity. He was pleased when his son, Courtney, made the decision
to also become a Kappa Man.
He gave much energy and time to Kappa Alpha Psi serving as North Central Province Board Member
and Senior Vice Polemarch North Central Province, and President of Des Moines Alumni Chapter.
He was passionate about his work with the KAPSI Foundation as he served as a mentor for
disadvantaged students at two inner-city elementary schools, and led efforts of the foundation in
fundraising and providing four-year scholarships to graduating minority students who were planning
to attend college.
After retiring and relocating to the Aiken area five years ago, James continued to follow his love for
God as a member of the Second Baptist Church in Aiken. He also had time to work on his golf game
and, of course, continue to be involved with organizations that help impact change. He found what
he was looking for with the Sigma Pi Psi Fraternity, the Alpha Mu Boule. Becoming involved with
The Ike and Justine Washington Foundation gave him another opportunity to help change the lives
of many young people in Richmond County as well as improve community productivity.
Family meant everything to James. He loved his wife and son very much and wanted the best
for them. They were the substance that nurtured him and provided his greatest joys. Yes, he was
indeed a boastful father! The love, joy and pride he had for his son was beyond description. His
sister, Cookie, was very special to him and he was overjoyed when she moved to Aiken. He always
maintained contact with extended family and considered it a blessing to talk with, visit and support
cousins.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Dollie Crawford. He is survived by: his
devoted wife of forty-one years, Patricia Jones Crawford of Aiken, South Carolina; son, Dr. Courtney
(Dr. LaKiesha) Crawford of Winston Salem, North Carolina; granddaughters, Cameron and Casey
Crawford of Winston Salem, North Carolina; sister, Geraldine (Ralph) Beard of Aiken, South Carolina;
brother, Clemon Crawford of Ohio; uncle, Lemon Rice of Cleveland, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Roberta
(Matthew) Jenkins of Long Beach, California, Carrie Jones Hinton of Denver, North Carolina, Mary
(Bernard) Tompkins, Barbara Jones Coleman of North Augusta, South Carolina, Clara Jones of West
Des Moines, Iowa and Racheal Jones of Yuma, Arizona; and a host of devoted cousins and friends.
ft To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
And endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
- RALPH WALDO EMERSON -
Memorial Contributions can be made to the Ike and Justine Washington Foundation:
Attention: Dr. Samuel Sullivan, Executive Director
P.O. Box 31376 Augusta, Georgia 30903
The family of James Crawford wishes to express sincere gratitude and thanks for the great
acts of kindness during the illness and transition of our loved one. Special thanks to Dr.
Miriam Atkins, her oncology team and the University Hospital staff.
G. L. BRIGHTHARP & SONS MORTUARY
614 West Avenue
North Augusta, South Carolina
803.279.0026
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