Sunrise June 23, 1926 - Sunset June 6, 2009
He was at church faithfully, attending his post every Sunday until the Sunday prior to his passing. He served on the Deacon Board for Greater Los Angeles, supported the "Promise Keepers" and was very active in bible study and prayer vigil, despite his declining health. Papa fought a gallant battle againt his illness. His quick wit and demeanor will be missed by all who knew him. Before being called to eternal rest, we affectionately new him as "Papa, Jim Bowie, Neckbone, Jimmaye, JC from Tennessee, front porch sitter, Papacita and Papastoppa."
Papa is preceeded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Ernestine "Ma'Dear", one brother, four sisters and one son, Edward. He leaves to cherish fond memories five children and their spouses, Omega, James Jr and Melba, Anita and Roderick, Mary and Lamont, Susan and Alton, daughter in law Glynn Crawford, two adopted children: Annie Busky and Carlton Hendrick, 2o grand children, 24 great-grand children, and one great-great-grandchild.
For all that knew Papa and were touched by his presence, the following "shout outs" were common Papa quotes that will surely be missed. For those who never had the blessing of knowing this patriarch, the one liners may not seem very funny:
"Gow Slow, Go 'head chicken, Nothin short about me but my income, Water'll rust iron, Gimme dem feet, Slow but Show, Cold today-hot tamale, JC from Tennessee, Don't watch me-watch the weather"
Papa! Where's your teeth? papa's response "In the cup!"
Rather than drone on about mundane weekend events, today I decided to dedicate my words to Deacon James Clayborne Crawford, Sr., also known as Papa. The following is copied from his obituary:
James C. Crawford was the sixth of six siblings born to Clayborne and Ella Crawford on June 23, 1926 in Memphis, Tennessee. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Ernestine. They moved to Los Angeles and remained there for over 60 years. The union of "Papa" and "Ma'Dear" produced six children: Omega, James Jr, Anita, Mary, Edward and Susan.
Papa worked hard in the sheet metal industry, retiring after 2o years only to begin a second career at Firestone, where he labored another 20 years and retired again. Following his second retirement, he accepted Jesus Christ into his life through baptism and later served as Deacon to the very same hpuse of God, Pilgrim Congregational Church. Eventually he was elevated to Honorary Deacon. Papa was honored as Deacon of the Year, Father of the Year and most recently was a joint recipient in a dedication ceremony at Pilgrim declaring the fellowship hall "The James and Ernestine Crawford Fellowship Lounge"
He was at church faithfully, attending his post every Sunday until the Sunday prior to his passing. He served on the Deacon Board for Greater Los Angeles, supported the "Promise Keepers" and was very active in bible study and prayer vigil, despite his declining health. Papa fought a gallant battle againt his illness. His quick wit and demeanor will be missed by all who knew him. Before being called to eternal rest, we affectionately new him as "Papa, Jim Bowie, Neckbone, Jimmaye, JC from Tennessee, front porch sitter, Papacita and Papastoppa."
Papa is preceeded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Ernestine "Ma'Dear", one brother, four sisters and one son, Edward. He leaves to cherish fond memories five children and their spouses, Omega, James Jr and Melba, Anita and Roderick, Mary and Lamont, Susan and Alton, daughter in law Glynn Crawford, two adopted children: Annie Busky and Carlton Hendrick, 2o grand children, 24 great-grand children, and one great-great-grandchild.
For all that knew Papa and were touched by his presence, the following "shout outs" were common Papa quotes that will surely be missed. For those who never had the blessing of knowing this patriarch, the one liners may not seem very funny:
"Gow Slow, Go 'head chicken, Nothin short about me but my income, Water'll rust iron, Gimme dem feet, Slow but Show, Cold today-hot tamale, JC from Tennessee, Don't watch me-watch the weather"
Papa, you want a drink? papa's response- Is it wet?
Papa, you gonna miss the green light! papa's response: that's ok, there'll be another one Papa! Where's your teeth? papa's response "In the cup!"
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