Jim was born on March 1, 1946, in Jacksonville, IL, the son of Raleigh and Margaret E. (Hampton) Crawford. He married Karen Sue Horn on April 22, 1966, in Berlin, IL.
Jim graduated from New Berlin High School in 1964. He was a lifelong farmer. Jim was a New Berlin native and a member of Berlin Christian Church, where he attended many mission trips and was a church elder. He enjoyed golfing, gator rides, and anything John Deere. When he was younger, he competed in Enduro style motorcycle racing and was licensed to fly his own airplane. Jim was skilled in many areas and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was knowledgeable, loving, caring, and loved his pets.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Crawford; brother-in-law, Gary Taylor; and beloved dog, Brandy.
Jim is survived by his wife, Karen Crawford of New Berlin; daughter, Jamie (Patrick) Hulett and their children, Sara, Lauren, Ryne, and Tyler, all of New Berlin; son, Trent (Janet) Crawford and their daughters, Kinsey and Rylie; siblings, John (Judy) Crawford of Carterville, IL, Carole Taylor of Murray, KY, and David (Rhoda) Crawford of Staunton, IL; nephew, Carl (Lisa) Crawford; niece, Ashley Taylor; and several cousins.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Butler Funeral Home – New Berlin, 714 E. Gibson St., New Berlin.
Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Berlin Christian Church, 2580 S. Wake Rd., New Berlin, with Jon Morrissette officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery - New Berlin.
The family invites guests to wear jeans, their favorite farm shirt or John Deere attire, in honor of Jim.
Memorial contributions may be made to: New Berlin EMS or Animal Protective League.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – New Berlin, 714 E. Gibson St., New Berlin, IL.
