WINDHAM, NH – James A. Crawford, Sr., age 87 died Tuesday January 23, 2007 at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, MA.
Born and educated in Lawrence, he was a graduate of Lawrence High School and attended Lowell Technological Institute. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps with the 14th Air Force, 74th Squadron serving in India and China. He was a fighter pilot with the Flying Tigers and flew 74 combat missions. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and the Distinguished Unit Citation, and was honorably discharged. For 37 years he was an air traffic controller with Hanscom Air Force Base and Logan Airport. He was a certified flight instructor and trained numerous students at the Lawrence Municipal Airport. He was a Mason with the John Hancock Lodge in Methuen, a member of the Forest Street Union Church and the First Church Congregational also in Methuen. A member of the Cobbetts Pond Association, he enjoyed boating, gardening, and playing cards with friends. He was an avid reader, had a love for animals, and was happy spending time with his grandchildren.
The widower of Maria L. (Cormier) Crawford, he leaves his children, 3 daughters, Carolyn M. Moynihan and her husband Dan of Andover, MA, Vicki Pollina and her husband Ron of Haverhill, MA and Priscilla L. Tomes and her husband Chuck of Windham, NH.
1 son James Crawford, Jr. and his wife Pat of Rye, NH
11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorials can be made to a charity of one’s choice. Family and friends may call on Friday from 4:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 10:00a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen, MA.