Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James Crane Obituary
Lafayette - James Melvin Crane (Jim), a native of Good Hope, Mississippi, longtime resident of Baton Rouge, LA, St. Francisville, LA, and most recently of Lafayette, LA, was called home to meet his Lord on Thursday, January 25, 2018. He was 96 years old. He was the loving husband of the late Sara Leontine McKneely Crane and father of Mary Anne C. Blackburn (husband, Tom) and James H. Crane (wife, Barbara). He was the grandfather of Megan M. Groover, Margot L. McCall, Mitchell P. McCall (Ashley), James M. Crane (Christina) Kathryn C. King, Angela C. Lalande (Dwayne), Rebecca C. Beauman (Mitch). He loved his 14 great grandchildren and was survived by siblings Ruth C. Cannon and Murriel C. Harris (Alton). He was preceded in death by his parents, James T. Crane and Virgie Emmons Crane; and siblings Ouida C. Liber (Joe), Charles O. Crane (Lorene), Doris C. Liber (Jim), and Grace C. Stokes (Curtis). Jim was a devout Christian and served most of his adult life as a Baptist deacon. At different times he was a member of Goodwood, First, and CrossPoint Baptist churches of Baton Rouge. Most recently he was a member of First Baptist Church St. Francisville. Jim served in WWII in the Merchant Marine and was a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. He participated in the D Day invasion of Normandy. Jim was awarded a basketball scholarship to attend East Central Junior College of Mississippi. Later, he attended Southeastern Louisiana University on a basketball scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree. After WWII he received a Master's in Education at Louisiana State University. He was a teacher and principal in East Baton Rouge Parish with his longest tenure as principal of Lanier Elementary School. Jim was an avid fisherman, hunter, and LSU Tiger fan. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to the visitation at First Baptist Church, 12404 Hwy. 10, St. Francisville, LA on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 from 9AM until 11AM. The Funeral Service will follow at 11 AM. Interment will immediately follow at Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. Condolences are welcome at www.rabenhorst.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Crane
Sponsored by Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown.
Glenda Davis
June 23, 2018
I knew your dad as Melvin, perhaps that is what his brother Charles called him. My mom, who passed away January 12, was Uncle Charles sister in law, Lorene's sister, Marjorie Tyler Mims. We lived across the street from Sarah and Melvin before they moved to Cal Road. I have loved them both dearly since I was a litte girl. We last visited when Sarah was in OLOL and James was there as well. My condolences to you both, I know you are missing them. Truly The Greatest Generation.
Debra Levine Baldinger
January 30, 2018
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kay Smith
January 30, 2018
Mary Ann,
So sorry to just read of your father's death. I loved to see him at church, always smiling and happy-and always so proud when you were there to visit with him as well as the music you shared with us. God bless your family.
Lee Fortier
January 30, 2018
To the Crane family,
I am sorry to read of your loss. Mr. Crane was my 6th grade teacher and coach at LaSalle Elementary. He was a teacher you remembered and influenced your life. He loved American history, especially WWII.
God Bless
Bill MacCurdy
January 29, 2018
Remember your mom and dad well. My condolences for the loss of your dad.
Lynelle Sonnier
January 29, 2018
My heart was broken when I heard Mr Jim had passed. He was a kind, funny and considerate person. I spent a lot of time with him while giving his meds at Garden View and we have had many conversations. I loved all of his stories and especially his off the wall dreams that he had (which we would sit and laugh at many times). I feel like I knew all of his family for many years because of his stories and his wife (who was the love of his life). My condolences to the family. It will not be the same at Garden View without my friend!
Dick Barra
January 29, 2018
I did not get a lot of time to spend with Jim, my son
Dreux and Mr. Crane become good friends at Garden View. Jim was much respected.
So did my daughters and my wife Maisie.
He will be missed.
Dreux listened to many stories of WW11.
My deepest sympathy.
Dick Barra
K
January 29, 2018
Sorry for your loss. May the God of all tender comfort be with family and friends during this difficult time.
Steve Payne
January 28, 2018
Our prayers are with you and your family.
January 27, 2018
May he rest in peace . He will be greatly miss .
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in James Crane's name
Memorial Events
for James Crane
Funeral services provided by:
Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Crane's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
