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James Crager Obituary
He returned to Morehead State in 1967 and he and Jenny made Morehead and Rowan County their home. For more than three decades Buford served at Morehead State initially as Dean of Students, then as Vice President of Students, and he retired as a member of the faculty.
Buford was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Barbara, and grandson Kalvert. He is survived by his loving wife Jenny, brother Bobby/Judy (Hicks) Crager of Flatwoods, sister Brenda (BJ) Helton/Jack Davis of Louisville. He is also survived by his self-termed "legacies" son Kyle/Kim (Calvert) Crager of Georgetown, son Dr. James "Kip"/Jennifer (Swartz) Crager of Lexington, and grandchildren Ky/Kelly/Fiona Crager, Kellen/Heather Crager, Kwyncee Crager, Colten Crager, Holynn Crager, and Cade Crager.
Love of family, faith, and community were the hallmarks of Buford's life. He enjoyed discussing world events/politics, health, faith and football. He was a life-long member of the Morehead United Methodist Church and served for many years as part of the Democratic Party of Morehead and Rowan County.
Burial will be at Lee Cemetery in Morehead on Sunday, October 15, 2023. The immediate family graveside service will be officiated by close family friend Reverend Drew McNeill. The family has requested that any donations go to the James Buford Crager Scholarship Fund at Morehead State University in care of the Morehead State Foundation, 121 E. Second Street, Suite 107, Morehead, KY 40351.
Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead is caring for arrangements. Sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Lee Mueller
October 7, 2024
Buford was a good guy. Maybe a great guy. He was my MSC-type fraternity brother in those days (Campus Club), a formidable football running back and, for someone laden with all his leadership roles, a kind and thoughtful friend. His "legacy" doubtlessly is proud of him, as it should be.
Lee Mueller
November 2, 2023
Deepest sympathy, Jenny. When I first met Buford, he was a strong, powerful football running back who, it turned out, was a kind, gentle soul and a good friend who was well-liked by all who knew him. We were, as you may recall, in the Campus Club together before Dr. Doran agreed to allow any other fraternity-type organizations at Morehead. He was special. And I believe all of us were proud to call him "brother" and a friend.
I'm so sorry -- I didn't even know he was ill.
Sincerest coldolences,
Kevin Porter
October 17, 2023
A man of quiet strength that was rooted in faith and family. He and his beloved Jenny were models of honest and positive adulthood for me as a youngster in the latter half of the 70s. I have yet to meet people with more warmth and integrity than they. // I had occasion to meet with him often in his office back in the day. I always fondly remember him leading off his remarks to me with, "Well dip, Kevin." There was always a gentle smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye as he explained some of the many reasons my crazy proposal would not fly! // He ran the good race. We have lost one of our best, but heaven only gave him to us on loan and now reclaims their own son. "Well, dip, Dean Crager, RIP."
Azhar and Uzma Aslam
October 15, 2023
May his memories be a lasting source of joy and comfort and May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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Gary Adkins
October 13, 2023
Buford Crager was Dean of Men when I was a student at MSU. He was scary in that role. When I returned to Morehead fifteen years we became friends and church members. We were active with the Democratic party. He was a good man and friend. I lost touch with him aftrr moving away from Morehead. Buford will be missed.
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