James Crawford

James Michael Crawford

"Dutch"

Age 74 of Sapulpa, Oklahoma and formerly of Wilmington, passed away March 16, 2013 at Saint John's Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Born April 29, 1938 in Marseilles, Illinois, James Michael was a son of the late Matthew Joseph and Laura Maurine Hill-Crawford. He attended Wilmington High School and served in the United States Navy. Dutch was a waiter at the Millionaires Club, prior to gaining employment with the circus. Over the years he became an Equestrian Director and Ring Master, and was associated with Carson & Barnes Circus, Kelly Miller 3 Ring Circus and Vargas Circus. Most recently he was driving a truck and drove for John Christner Trucking Company out of Oklahoma. Dutch loved training horses, traveling and his visits to the casino's. He will most be remembered for truly enjoying and doing everything in life he aspired to do.

Survivors include his sister Joan M. VanDuyne of Wilmington; two sisters-in-law: Anna Jean Crawford of Carbon Hill and Frances Crawford of Coal City; nineteen nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces and great nephews.

Dutch was preceded in death by his parents; one sister Jean Ludwig and two brothers: Jack Crawford and Bob Crawford.

Cremation rites have been accorded. The family will receive friends on Saturday April 13, 2013 from 9:00AM until time of Memorial Service 11:00AM at Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Deacon Don Dyer will officiate.

Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.FRBfuneral.com

Cremation and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Matthew R. Baskerville, CFSP (815/476-2181) )