STANDISH- James B. Crawford, 68, of Standish, passed away at home on Tuesday, October 24 surrounded by loving family and friends. Thank you to VNA Hospice for all their support. Jim was born August 25, 1949, the oldest child of Clarence and Marie (Brown) Crawford. He attended Sebago schools, graduating from Potter Academy in 1967, as a member of the last graduating class before the school closed. He attended the former SMVTI for a year before joining the work force…with LC Andrews, Southworth Machine, Hannaford’s Warehouse, home construction and repair, Shaw’s Supermarkets, Phinney Lumber…retiring from Vulcan Electric. In 1969 he married Allyson (Ward), living in Portland and Old Orchard Beach before building their home in Standish. He was the proud father of a daughter Alisa Ford and son Adam, later welcoming their son-in-law Bill Ford and their grandson, Devon. As a child, Jim spent as much time as possible with his grandfather on the family farm, where he learned to love working with his hands. As an adult, he enjoyed working in his shop, creating bookshelves, step stools, tables, birds and other projects for Devon and many others. Some items even won ribbons at the Fryeburg Fair. Camping was another family favorite including spending a week at the Fryeburg Fair. The past 15 years, his greatest pleasure was spending time with Devon…wood working, fishing, camping, the fair, 4-wheeling. Spending time with family was a priority. By some, Jim was considered the “dog whisperer”. Tara, Topaz and Bailey were the family pets. Jim was pre-deceased by his parents and a brother, David. He is survived by his wife, Allyson, of 48 years, his daughter Alisa and husband Bill Ford and grandson Devon, all of Salem, NH; his son Adam Crawford of Standish; his sister Mary Crawford and his sister-in-law Deb Crawford both of Sebago, as well as a niece and nephew and several cousins, aunts and uncles. A celebration of life will be held on Sat. 11/4, 12:00 at the Standish Congregational Church, Oak Hill Road, with a reception following.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home's website, www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to VNA Home Health Hospice, 50 Foden Road, So. Portland, ME 04102 or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215.