James Dennis Crum

James Dennis Crum, 77, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 10, 2026.

Memorial service will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 14, 2026 at St. Paul Methodist Church, 4317 W I40. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

James was born on December 23, 1948 in Denison, TX to Ed and Mary Crum.

James proudly served in the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division in the United States Army. He proudly served as a helicopter A&P certified mechanic for 11 months supporting military operations and demonstrating tremendous bravery under pressure. His helicopter was shot down twice during combat missions, yet he continued to help others and carry out his duties. For his service and courage, he received the Bronze Star Medal, the Award of the Army Commendation Medal, and the Award of the Air Medal with “V” Device and 7 Oak Leaf Clusters.

Following his military service, he married Martha “Ann” Pendleton of Sunray, and he built a career as a salesman. He worked for K&N Electric for many years, and operated his own territory in Burkburnett, Texas. There he worked until all of his children graduated from high school. Soon James and Martha decided to move to Amarillo to be closer to family, and he spent the next decade working with Coldwell Banker in Amarillo.

James was a man of many talents and interests. He loved baseball, fishing, working on cars, inventing clever gadgets, spending time with his dogs, and visiting with family. Science was one of his favorite subjects, and he spent many hours helping with science fair projects, school activities, and even building homecoming floats for his kids. If something was broken, James could usually fix it- or improve it. He loved coaching baseball, watching car races, and attending his grandkids various musicals and sports programs.

To his grandchildren, he was lovingly known as “Paw Paw.” He adored them and took great pride in watching them grow.

James is survived by his loving wife, Martha Ann Crum of 56 years; his children Susan Bradley and husband John, Deanna Hurt and husband David, and James Crum and wife Erica; and his beloved grandchildren Gracie, Bradley, Colby, Boston, Jeremiah, Naivia, Eli, and Axel. He is also survived by his brother, David Crum.

James will be remembered for his strength, his humor, is intelligence, and the deep love he had for his family. His life was guided by a simple philosophy he often shared; “If it is to be, it’s up to me.”