James David Crawford

James David Crawford, age 80, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026. A proud Vietnam War veteran, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, James lived a life marked by service, dedication, and unwavering love for his family.

Born on April 8, 1946, James was the son of the late Joseph Sanford Crawford Jr. and Florence Anna Grant Crawford. He proudly served his country in the United States Army with the rank of Major after a distinguished military career. As a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, he demonstrated the courage, honor, and commitment that would define his life both in and out of uniform.

James carried the military philosophy of "Never Leave a Brother Behind" throughout his life. Following his active-duty service, he dedicated countless hours to assisting fellow veterans as they navigated the often-challenging Veterans Administration system, helping them secure the benefits, support, and care they had earned through their service. His compassion and advocacy positively impacted the lives of many veterans and their families.

His commitment to honoring those who served extended beyond individual assistance. James was instrumental in establishing the "In Memoriam" Recognition Program in Washington, D.C., which honors veterans whose service-related conditions contributed to their deaths after their active military service had concluded. Through this work, he helped ensure that the sacrifices of countless veterans would be recognized and remembered.

Above all else, James cherished his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Judith Lynn Crawford, with whom he shared 43 years of love, partnership, and treasured memories.

James is survived by his wife, Judith Lynn Crawford; his brother, William Grant Crawford; his son, Woodrow Stephen Crawford; and his daughters, Lori Kathleen Nageli and Lisa Anne Orr.

He was a proud grandfather to Robert Edward Ash, Peter Jordan Nageli, Christopher William Freiberger, Leslie Renee Freiberger, Abbigail Marie Craig, Izabella Crawford, and Samantha Crawford. He was also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Skylar Renee Ash, who brought him immense joy.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Sanford Crawford III; his son, Sanford James Crawford; and his grandson, Ronald Joseph Ash.

James will be remembered for his strength, kindness, sense of duty, and deep devotion to those he loved. Whether serving his country, advocating for fellow veterans, supporting his family, or offering guidance to those around him, he lived with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to helping others. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched, the veterans he served, and the family he loved so dearly.

A funeral service will be held on June 16th at 11:00 a.m. at Dunwoody United Methodist Church, 1548 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338. A columbarium interment service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, Georgia 30114, where James will be laid to rest with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tunnel to Towers.

Though he is no longer with us in body, his memory, love, and example will remain in the hearts of his family and friends forever.