James Frances McCraw

1915 - 2013

ODESSA James Frances McCraw, 98, of Odessa, Texas, went to be with our Lord on July 3, 2013.

James was born to James Elvis and Mary Thelma Pike McCraw on May 17, 1915, in Boyd, Texas. James married Alice Watson on February 2, 1956. That union enlarged his family by adding in his step children, Joyce and Bill, and eventually brought him 8 grandchildren. James and Alice named their ranch in Illinois the 7 Bar, to represent the seven granddaughters and one grandson. James lived life to the fullest, always surrounded by loved ones. He loved his time on their ranch and being outdoors. He will be remembered for his love of life, pontoon boating, horseback riding, farming, ranching, river trips, apple picking, and many other activities he shared with his family and friends. He was a blessing to all who knew him. James was a member of the Moose Lodge in Illinois. After many years of ranching in Illinois, he and Alice retired to Odessa, Texas. We know he has on his boots and cowboy hat once again and is entertaining those around him. He will be missed.

James was preceded in death by his siblings, Luicelle Gill, Joey McCraw, Elvis McCraw, H.E. (Peanut) McCraw, Oleta Matthews, Edgar (Pete) McCraw, Frank (Hugh) McCraw, and Don McCraw.

James is survived by his wife, Alice Watson McCraw. His siblings, Doyle (Smokey) McCraw, Rebecca LaRosa, and Blanche (Blondie) Gipson; his step children, Joyce Weathers Trower (Virgil) and Billy Ray Weathers (Avalee). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Karen Weathers Franco, Patricia Weathers Butler, Linda Weathers Evans, Pamela Weathers Wiseman, Janice Weathers Bartz, Donna Trower Downs, Tonya Trower Brown, and James Wayne Trower, and their spouses. James is also survived by many great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews.

Donations in his memory can be made to Hospice of Odessa, 516 N. Texas, Odessa, TX 79761, or a charity of choice.