Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at First Christian Church in Stratford, Texas with Rev. Steve Ulrey officiating. Burial will follow in Stratford Cemetery.James Crawford was born June 22, 1935 in Vernon, Texas to Hub and Jewel Crawford. The family lived on many Texas ranches throughout his childhood. They settled in Stratford, Texas where James attended high school and played on the very first Elk football team. After graduating in 1954, James married his high school sweetheart, Helen Finch. Together, they opened the Western Auto store and ran the business for many years. James and Helen had two daughters, Debbie and Jeana Beth Crawford.In 1972 James started North Texas Wholesale, selling guns. James and his lifelong partner and secretary, LaVell Haggard ran the successful business for 22 years. After closing North Texas Wholesale he started North Texas Angus and ran cattle until he retired. James lived a full and happy life with many hobbies including flying, shooting, golfing, traveling with LaVell, and cheering on the Stratford Elks. When James discovered his cancer in 2012 he willingly placed his life and trust in the Lord's hands and spent his days chatting with his coffee shop buddies and loving on his family.Survivors include his daughter Jeana Beth and her husband Dennis Jackson of Canadian, Texas, a granddaughter Stephanie and her husband Ty Ellis, and two great-grandsons, Cater James and Holden Ellis all of Dalhart, Texas, and many lifelong friends.James was proceeded in death by his parents, his companion LaVell Haggard, and his daughter Debbie Walker.Viewing and visitation will be at the First Christian Church in Stratford, TX - 420 Main St. - from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 14, 2014