James Ray “Jimmy” Crawford, 77, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, N.C., after a period of declining health.

Jimmy was born on July 24, 1948, in Rutherford County to Jay Crawford and Clariene Bridges Crawford. He graduated from Rutherfordton-Spindale Central High School in 1966 and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1970 with a degree in political science. He served in the U.S. Army from 1970-1972.

Jimmy spent his career in finance, but his passion was in working the earth and growing green things. For nearly 40 years his family maintained a small farm in the Bethlehem community with acres of garden and dozens of fruit trees. While he loved all fresh produce, he was particularly passionate about sweet corn and tomatoes, trying new varieties of watermelons and cantaloupes, and harvesting his apples to make apple cider. His fields and fruit trees often produced a bounty much larger than his family could use and he took great joy in sharing with friends.

Jimmy was a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. He was an avid reader, enjoying a wide variety of material ranging from history to science fiction to Bible studies. He was also a devoted fan of UNC athletics, and he made sure never to miss a football, basketball, or baseball game.

Jimmy is survived by his son, Michael Crawford of Hickory; brothers, David (Teresa) Crawford of Shelby, Ronnie Crawford of Vale, and Danny (Doreen) Crawford of Vale; and sister, Susan (Jay) Edwards of Browns Summit. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Joann Crawford, his parents, and brother, Tommy Crawford.

The family will receive friends at St. Luke’s U.M.C., 52 16th Ave. NW, Hickory on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2 p.m. A family led celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m.; the service will also be streamed on the St. Luke’s U.M.C Facebook page. Jimmy’s ashes will be interred at St. Luke’s following the service.

Donations in his memory may be sent to the Joann Crawford Scholarship Fund, 148 Cedar Woods Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681; or to Helene Disaster Recovery c/o St. Luke’s U.M.C., 52 16th Ave. NW, Hickory, NC 28601.

Condolences may be sent to www.adamsfunerals.com.

Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family of James Ray “Jimmy” Crawford.