James "Jim" Edward Crane

James “Jim” Edward Crane was born on February 17, 1950, in Springfield, Colorado, to Willie and Euna Pearl Crane. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at his home in Duncan, Oklahoma, on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the age of 76.

Jim grew up in Springfield, where he graduated from Springfield High School in 1968. A hardworking man with a deep connection to the land, he spent his life farming and ranching in Cimarron and Baca counties. Jim faced every season with eternal optimism. No matter the weather or the harvest, his faith never wavered because his family stood proudly by his side. His years of working the land reflected his strong work ethic and the simple, steady way he approached life.

On June 2, 1974, Jim married Karla Martin. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and many treasured memories while raising their two girls, Shilo and Jennifer. Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and his family remained at the center of his life.

Jim loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed camping in the mountains of Colorado. Many happy times were spent at the lake, where he enjoyed boating, water skiing, and simply being surrounded by the ones he loved. He also had an appreciation for cars—especially anything fast—and enjoyed the excitement that came along with them. Music was another favorite pastime and held a special place in his heart.

Above all else, Jim loved being with his family. He shared a lifelong connection with his siblings, whether they were putting on a musical performance, playing jokes on one another, gathering in the field, or simply spending time together at home, those moments meant the most to him. His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews was evident in the life he lived and the memories he leaves behind.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Karla; children: Shilo Dodd and husband David, and Jennifer Lubbers and husband Curtis; grandchildren: Kylee Dodd, Carson Lubbers, Chloe Lubbers, and Stormie Lubbers; siblings: Jane Melser and husband Ray, Gale Crane and wife Deana, Merna McGinnis and husband Vic, and Lyndon Crane; sisters-in-law: Jane Crane, Donna Crane, Debi Martin, as well as numerous extended family members, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Euna Pearl Crane; brothers: Carol Crane, Carlos Crane, and Myron Crane; sister, Rhonda Crane; brother-in-law Roger Rau, father and mother-in-law, Merle and Helen Martin; sister and brother-in-law: Claudia and Steven Barnum, and sister-in-law Camelia McCrea.

A Memorial Service will take place on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the Springfield Cemetery Pavilion, Highway 160, Springfield, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Jim’s honor to Chisholm Trail Hospice, c/o DRH Health Foundation, P.O. Box 2000, Duncan, OK 73534. Please make checks payable to DRH Health Foundation.