Obituary: James W. Crawford Jr., 51; Formerly Of West Haven

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From B.C. Bailey Funeral Home): James W. (Jimmy) Crawford Jr., 51, of Wallingford, departed this life on May 3, 2023. James was born in New Haven, CT on Mother's Day, May 9, 1971, to the late James and Gertrude (Raschke) Crawford Sr.

James grew up in West Haven and attended schools there through Grade 8. He was a member of the Cub and Boy Scouts from a young age to young adulthood. He attended Platt Technical High School in Milford graduating in 1990 from the Electronics shop.

As a teen he was a member and became Master Councilor of the Order of Demolay in West Haven. In 2005, James graduated from Central Florida Community College in Ocala, FL with an A.S. Degree in Internet Services Technology.

He worked several jobs over his lifetime, but eventually found his niche as a big rig truck driver, most recently employed by Cold Iron.

Jim enjoyed the freedom of the open road and sharing pictures of his travels across the USA from Maine to California. He also enjoyed computers, electronic communications such as radio and TV, and also the nostalgia, history, and culture of the places where he traveled. He was an avid fan of country music and had a love for the Southern states since he was young. He was raised in and a member of the First Congregational Church of West Haven (Connecticut). He moved to Ocala, Florida in early adulthood and moved to Wallingford, CT around 2007.

James is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his sister Mary Ellen Crawford (Stephen Monroe "Zak" Tomczak) of Wallingford, and his brother George Crawford of Machias, ME. He also is survived by his Aunt Ann R. McDonald (Richard), and cousins Susan Hurlburt, David Abbott, Liz Hurlburt, Jonathon McDonald, Bill McDonald, Ted McDonald, Tim McDonald, Robert Neales, Richard Werner, as well as many other second cousins.

Services for James will be held at The First Congregational Church of Wallingford, 23 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492 on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at 1 p.m. and a gathering afterward. There will be a private burial at a later date. The B.C. Bailey Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit B.C. Bailey Funeral Home here.