James "Jim" W. Crane's Obituary
CRANE, James “Jim” W., age 91, of Waynesville, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025, at Ohio Living Quaker Heights.
Jim graduated from Springboro High School and honorably served in the Air National Guard for eight years. For most of his career, Jim worked in the banking industry. In his younger years, he worked as deputy sheriff for Warren County and police chief for the Village of Waynesville. He officially retired as senior vice president of Waynesville National Bank. After his formal retirement, he went back to work for Community National Bank in Franklin for several years. His career in banking combined for more than 30 years of service.
Extremely community-minded, whenever the community needed assistance, Jim volunteered and served. He served over 25 years on the Wayne Township Fire and Rescue Squad. Specifically, he assisted in getting the fire and rescue squad formally organized. In addition, he was elected and served on the Wayne Local Board of Trustees, served two terms as Mayor for the Village of Waynesville, served as Past Master of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge, served on the Miami Cemetery Board of Directors and Quaker Heights Board, and was active in the Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, the Waynesville Lions Club, and the Waynesville Optimist Club. Notably, and for his lifelong dedication to Waynesville's people, history, and infrastructure, he was awarded Citizen of the Year by the Waynesville Lions Club.
Family-oriented, civic and community-minded, caring, kind, and often witty, Jim spent his life serving others and was always willing to lend a hand. He loved history, specifically regarding the history of Waynesville and his family heritage. Regularly, he visited the funeral home to obtain printed obituaries of community members he knew, which he meticulously collected within laminated pages of binders. His other hobbies included woodworking, flower gardening, and mowing his yard. He had an appreciation for automobiles, passed down from his father, a well-known mechanic in Waynesville. While the kids were growing up, he had an old wooden boat that he enjoyed taking down to the Ohio River. The family humorously remembers how it had holes in the structure and required water to be bailed out each time during the first hour of use while waiting for the wood to swell and seal out the water. They were even known to water ski behind the big barges traveling up and down the river. Family visited Jim and Judy’s home on Christmas Eve, which became a fond family tradition. In addition, they got together each year with the Miltenberger family to celebrate the 4th of July holiday. Among many things, he will be remembered by his family, who always knew he was nearby due to the sound of coins jiggling in his pocket as he walked.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Judy, in February of 2024; one son, Brent; daughter, Cathy Prewitt; his parents, Carman Crane and Lillian Fox; and one brother, Larry Fox. He is survived by one son, Aaron (Melanie) Crane; four grandchildren, Chad Prewitt, Amy (Chris) Engel, Amanda (Aaron) Blust, and Jamie (Matt) Brown; 10 great-grandchildren, Brigid, Jacob, Hannah, Emily, Hank, Sophia, Kaylynn, Noah, Brooklynn, and Hoyt; one brother, Lonnie (Carol) Fox; and one sister, Francis Fox.
The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 1 PM on Friday, January 24, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A celebration of life service in Jim’s honor will immediately follow the visitation at 1 PM on Friday at the funeral home, with Steve Williamson officiating the service. Burial will be in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. If desired, contributions may be made to the Wayne Township Fire and Rescue Squad, Ohio Living Quaker Heights (please note “activity fund” on donations), and Gentiva Hospice. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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