Mr. James Oliver Crawford Jr.

James Oliver (Peter) Crawford Jr. was born August 13, 1954, in Starkville MS. James was the second born of nine children to the late James Oliver Crawford Sr. and Sarah Emma Crawford. James grew up in Starkville MS, he graduated from Starkville High School in 1972. While attending Starkville High School he was a member of the SHS Band- The Band of the “Blue and the Gray” where he played the trumpet. James was included as one of the few African Americans members of the SHS band that were selected to travel to Vienna Austria to participate in the Youth and Music Festival. During this European trip, which extended into the 1970s, the band achieved significant international recognition. The band won first- place awards in both Concert and Marching categories. James was selected by his peers at SHS in Who’s Who as most outstanding Senior and Senior Class President. James received a music scholarship to Mississippi Valley State University where he attended and was part of the MVSU Band. He was an avid music lover and was blessed with the talent to play the trumpet and the piano by ear. In following with his love of music, he was one of the founding members of The Flame Band in which he was the lead trumpet player. The band is a live R&B music group focused on energetic performances for local events, making the events memorable for those in attendance.

James, affectionately known as “Peter” was a family person. He enjoyed spending time with his children and his family. He looked forward to all the yearly family holidays in which he kept the family uplifted with his high energy personality, quick inventive verbal humor and playing his trumpet. He was always willing to help others and he never met a stranger. He was known as the “handy man “in his neighborhood in which he provided lawn care, built patio decks, painting interior/exterior for family homes, plumbing and installing AC/Heating units and so much more as he was a “master of all trades.” He was a HUGE sports enthusiast. He was enthusiastic, excited, and deeply interested in his favorite sports team, The Pittsburgh Steelers. He often dedicated considerable time and energy watching games, following the team, and reading the news about the team. He enjoyed all sports including NFL Football, NBA Basketball, MLB Baseball, MSU sports teams, and SHS sports teams. He was also a HUGE baseball fan. During his younger years he was also an outstanding baseball player for Starkville High School in which he was a versatile player on the baseball field as he played the position of shortstop and pitcher. He also was a member of the semi pro baseball team the Bethel Braves and the Starkville Tigers where he was in high demand as he had a wide array of pitches and never backed down from any batter or situation. He enjoyed wild game hunting and fishing with his brother Darrell.

James confessed his faith in Christ at an early age. He remained a member of the Griffin United Methodist Chapel Church until his passing.

James over the years was employed as a painter and musician. He was employed at the MS Gulf Coast Shipyard, Hershede Clock Company, Lockport Felt Company, Parker-Robertson Company and the Cubby Harris Painting Company. One of his major accomplishments was painting the facade surrounding the Humphrey coliseum at Mississippi State University.

James was preceded in death by his mother Sarah Emma Jones Crawford; his father James Oliver Crawford Sr; his brother Winfred H Crawford; Special Aunt, Viola Johnson. Special Cousin Penelope Johnson.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories with his loving children: one daughter: Perrita Ellis of Starkville MS, five sons; Latarus Ellis, Jarvis Ellis, Cody Crawford, Cory Crawford all of Starkville MS. Jason Ellis of Jackson MS, Grandchildren: Dakaven Townsend, Asia Ellis, JaCory Williams, Alaysia Henton, Jachai Ellis ,Kaleb Ellis, Jason Ellis Jr, Genesis Armstead, Cory Crawford Jr. Kyle Crawford , Kasey Crawford, Amias Crawford. Brothers: Darrell Crawford (Armetta) Ross Crawford (Dewanda) of Starkville MS, Marshall Crawford of Manitowoc, WI, Linfred Crawford of Atlanta GA, Sisters; Gretel Carlene Chandler, Felicia Crawford (Cedric) of Starkville MS. Lizzie Fulmore of Blythewood SC. Special Friend Ms Mary Ellis. Members of the The Flame Band and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.