James A. Crawford Sr.

Mr. James Arthur Crawford Sr, affectionately called Mr. C. (Phil Fry by his close friends) was born on April 11, 1946 to the late Eddie Lee Sr. and Tommie Lou Crawford. He was born and raised in Akron, Ohio and attended South High School. Mr. C. began working at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in 1964, just about the time he met his future wife and mother of his children. James married Linda Gayle Corlew on Feb. 10, 1968. Their union was Blessed with a son, James A. Crawford Jr, on Sept. 18, 1968. James and Linda completed their family with a baby girl, Lisa Genell Crawford, on October 28, 1972. Mr. C. left Firestone and began working in the maintenance department at Akron City Hospital. James loved a good time. He always surrounded himself with family and friends. Phil Fry would entertain everyone by playing the bongos. Mr. C. enjoyed fishing, bowling, Colt 45, and Wild Irish Rose. He liked to listen to music, and loved all kinds, from Gospel to Rap and everything in between. However his passion was football. He told stories of his days on the Gridiron. Before his illness, you could always hear Mr. C. every weekend cheering on his 1040 Buchtel Griffins. Unfortunately his marriage to Linda ended in 1981. He then moved on to his second wife Marianne Palmer. They were happy together until she sadly passed away June 2, 2003.

James was preceded in death by his parents and second wife, brothers; Freemon Manley and Eddie Lee Crawford Jr. sisters; Essie Reid, Alberta Batten, Nona Tate, and Tommie Lou Hann nephew/son Willie Tate Sr.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving children; James (Carmen) Crawford Jr. and Lisa (William) Phillips, grandchildren; Nycole, James III, Ja'Vontae', and Jamicia Crawford, William Jr, Whitney and Willaun Phillips, Garryson Merritt, great grandchildren; Ny'Aire and Willaya Brock, Trinity, Serenity, Kennedy, and Kayden Crawford, step daughter Jeri Wilson, step grandchildren and great grandchildren, sister Ann (Donald) Hawkins, ex-wife and mother of his children Linda (Crawford) Corlew, special friend D'Andre Kilgore and family, nephew/brother Ronald Tate niece/daughter Kimberly Fowlkes and Star Walters.

The family of James A. Crawford Sr. would like to thank the staff of Circle of Life Home Care
Services, Summa Akron Campus T2, 6w, 5e, and 5n Hospice, D'Andre Kilgore, Jeri Wilson, and Elise Matthews.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home (131 N. Canton Rd., Akron) where Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 PM.

Condolences may be sent to 691 Noah Ave, Akron, OH 44320.

The family invites you to sign the online guest book and share fond memories.