James Dee Crawford

James Crawford was born December 9th, 1944 in Stratton, CO. His parents were Clarence (Curly), and Francise Crawford. He was raised on a farm approximately 6 miles west of Kirk, CO and 4 miles south of Joes, CO, with his older sister Marian (deceased), and two younger brothers; Gail and Kent.

After high school, he went to Otero Junior college for a year before transferring to Western state college, and majored in history and political science. After graduating he joined the Peace Corps and was sent to Hawaii, (Island of Molokai), where he learned Tongan, and was there to teach Tongan’s English.

After returning from Hawaii, James was a history teacher in Oak Creek, CO prior to being drafted in the army. After bootcamp, he went to MP training, and then he was sent to Korea as a stockade counselor. There, he met his wife (Myung Hui, who goes by Kim), then returned to the states and received his master’s degree in social work from Western State College. James spent 15 years as a social worker. Then, James went back to school and become a school counselor before ultimately retiring.

James spent retirement as a volunteer for the National Parks service at Bents fort, and Santa Fa railroad, as well as reading and researching history, and his ancestry.

James is survived by his wife Kim and their three children; Young Soo Crawford (wife Meg), Valerie Ullmer (husband Fred); and Toby Crawford (wife Michelle). James has three grandchildren, Katherine (Katie), Megan, and Karen, and one great grandchild, Alden.