Dr. James M. Crawford, “JC” to those who knew him, age 83, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Friday, December 5, 2025.
He was born in East Cleveland, Ohio, on February 20, 1942, to the late Loman and Sophia (Slunksi) Crawford. He graduated from Euclid High School, Euclid, Ohio, and then attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned both an undergraduate degree and a Master’s degree. During his time at Pittsburgh, he became a member of the Heinz Chapel Choir, and was a lifelong alumnus and supporter of that musical organization. He went on to complete his doctorate in theatre and medieval studies at Indiana University – Bloomington.
JC was an Army veteran, serving for several years as a Sargeant in Augsburg, Germany. During that time, he taught for the U.S. Armed Forces Institute in Europe.
JC then taught for the theatre department at the University of Maine—Presque Isle before joining the Lakeland University (then Lakeland College) faculty in 1977. At Lakeland, he married Lucretia Hediger in 1983, and in late 1984 they welcomed their son, Ramsay.
At Lakeland, JC directed thirty years of stage productions, involving hundreds of student actors. Upon retirement in 2007, he was named Professor Emeritus, and in 2012, he was inducted into Lakeland’s Fine Arts Gallery of Distinction.
He loved attending Croatian picnics and Native American powwows, as well as participating in cultural activities at Scottish-American Highland Games.
JC is survived by his wife, his son, and his two surviving brothers, John, of Lakewood, Colorado, and Thomas, of Cleveland, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Loman.
The family has established the James Crawford Memorial Fund at Lakeland University and gifts will benefit the John Esch Library. Gifts can be directed to Lakeland through its website at Lakeland.edu/give. Please note James Crawford Memorial in the comments.
The family would like to thank the members of the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice team for their care and compassion.
Following JC’s wishes, no formal services will be held. Instead, cremation has taken place, and his ashes will be interred at Immanuel Cemetery just north of the University. A private Celebration of Life will take place in 2026. The family is discussing options for an informal remembrance event with Lakeland University.
Zimmer Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center is assisting the family. For further information, or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com.
Comments