Dr James Crawley
Dr. James H. Crawley was born on June 8, 1930 in the Pleasant Hill Community of Gilsland. He departed this life at the golden age of 91, on Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Ruston.
He married Sylvia Briggs of Abbeville. To this union, three children were born: Brian, Marvin, and Jaime Crawley. James and Sylvia were blessed to enjoy 60 years of happiness, love, and dedication to family.
He received his early education in Bienville Parish. He graduated from Southern University A&M in Baton Rouge, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Agriculture.
He served in the Korean War as an Army commissioned officer and was awarded the Bronze Star. After military life, he obtained a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Southern California and later a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) from Walden University.
Dr. Crawley began his teaching career at Southside High School in Ringgold. He later served as Principal of Crawford High School and Crawford Elementary in Arcadia. Dr. Crawley later became the Supervisor of Transportation and Vocational Education at the Bienville Parish School Board, until his retirement in 1990.
He was elected to the office of Police Juror in Lincoln Parish, where he served for three terms. During this time, he was appointed Director of the Lincoln Parish Industrial Development Board and was instrumental in establishing the first medical clinic in Grambling.
He was a long time member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, in Grambling, where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, Deacon Board Chair and Finance Chair. Dr. Crawley was a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and was an active member of the Grambling Alumni Chapter since 1971.
He leaves to cherish his memories and carry out his legacy, his wife, Sylvia Briggs-Crawley; children, Brian Crawley (Doreen), Marvin Crawley (Kim), Jaime Crawley, James Crawley Jr. (Gigi), LaDeta Crawley; grandchildren, Myles, Hunter, DeMarcus, Brandee, Nicholas, Tyson, Nicholas and Jillian; sisters, Levester Hyter, Vernell Boone, Merlene Jones and Dorothy McLaughlin; “Special Son,” Johnathan Williams; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends.
His life work in education, community, church, and family have touched and inspired so many to reach their potential.
