James D. Crow

James D. Crow, AKA “Big Jim”, was born May 9, 1932, in Moundsville, West Virginia to Beatrice and Earl Crow. Jim passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 2, 2022, after a long illness.

Jim and his mom moved to Cleveland in 1944 where he met his best friend, Leo Martinowski, AKA “Bud”. The two of them, both being young entrepreneurs, started their first business adventure in Jim’s mom’s garage fixing cars. After graduating from West Tech High School, Jim held numerous jobs; one of the jobs he talked most about and loved was when he peddled milk for Sealtest Dairy. During the time working for the dairy, one of his friends, knowing he loved the outdoors and traveling, told Jim about camping. So, in 1963, with the help of his parents, Jim started Jim’s Trailer Sales Inc. in North Olmsted, Ohio. Eventually he outgrew the North Olmsted location, moved to Olmsted Falls for a short period of time, and finally moved the business to its current location in Grafton in 1972 with his wife, Eva M. Crow (deceased).

He was also the driving force in the founding of The Great Lakes Recreational Vehicle Association where he served as President and Board Member for several years.

Whenever someone needed directions to anywhere, he would know exactly how to get there and which way to turn based on what restaurant, store, or ice cream stand was on the corner. He loved to travel and has shared that experience and love with his family.

Jim lovingly leaves behind his son Richard, Adriana Dziedziak (Paul), James (Lori) and is preceded in death by son, Gary; Grandchildren - Bryan, Charice, Colleen, Marissa, Emily, Cole, Logan, Courtney, and Cory and Great Grandchildren Elliott, Rocky, Aila, and Aoife. In addition, he held in his heart a fatherly love for his niece, Tracey Schmidt, nephew, Erick Schummer, and daughter-in-law Jandi Arthur..

.Friends and family may call in the Duke Funeral Home 1021 Main St. Grafton on Monday June 6, 2022 from 4-8 PM. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday June 7, 2022 at 11 AM. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, North Olmsted.

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