James D. Crawford, 73, of Casa Grande, AZ, formerly of Manchester, NH, died on May 28, 2016, after a brief illness. Born in Nashua, NH on November 18, 1942, he was the youngest son of Arthur and Laura (Moran) Crawford. He was a graduate of Central High School, Class of 1960. He earned a bachelor of science degree at the University of New Hampshire in 1964 as well as a master’s degree in mathematics at Rutgers University in 1971.
Jim was a mathematics teacher at Manchester Memorial High School for forty years, where he also served as department coordinator for thirty years until his retirement in 2004. Following his successful career as an educator, he moved to Imperial Beach, CA and later to Casa Grande, AZ. Most recently, Jim volunteered as a mathematics tutor with the San Diego Unified School District and was an adjunct faculty member and tutor at Central Arizona College, Coolidge, AZ. He was a longtime contributor to the New Hampshire Teachers of Mathematics newsletter.
Jim was a mentor to a great number of students who followed in his footsteps to become mathematics teachers. A testament to the impact Jim had on students is also evident in the relationships he nurtured with Abraham Moreno, Griffin LaBonte and Michael Sheldon, all of whom were by his side during his final days.
An avid sports enthusiast, Jim especially enjoyed watching the San Diego State University basketball team, the San Diego Padres, the San Diego Chargers, and the Phoenix teams. A seasoned traveler, Jim was proud to have visited all fifty states in the Union.
Jim will be deeply missed by all those who had the good fortune to know this incredible gentleman.
Family members include: a brother, Jason Crawford, of Manchester, NH; a niece, Nancy Dubois, of Manchester, NH; several cousins; and many dear friends, colleagues, and former students. He was predeceased by two sisters, Janice and June.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the James D. Crawford Mathematics Scholarship Fund at Memorial High School, One Crusader Way, Manchester, NH 03103.
Services: A memorial celebration of James Crawford's life will take place on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 6:30 PM in Manchester Memorial High School.
J. N. Boufford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
For more information and on line guestbook please visit www.bouffordfuneralhome.com.