[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 30, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11189-S11190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO MAYOR JAMES FRANCIS ``JIMMY'' CRAWFORD

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
James Francis (Jimmy) Crawford, a tireless public servant, a prominent 
businessman, and a man whose deep religious convictions touched the 
lives of many. Jimmy Crawford was a lifelong resident of Abbeville, 
Alabama, and was serving his third consecutive term as mayor. His 
contributions to the city of Abbeville left an indelible mark in the 
memories of all who knew him. Jimmy passed away on Thursday morning, 
September 17, 1998 at the age of 58.
  Throughout his life, Jimmy Crawford selflessly dedicated himself to 
the benefit of others and stood by his principles and ideals in an 
unwavering fashion. From his early youth, Jimmy demonstrated a 
considerable eagerness to help others. Growing up in Abbeville, Jimmy 
was active in the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the highest possible 
rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating from Abbeville High School in 
1957, Jimmy attended school at Howard College, now Samford University. 
At Howard, Jimmy earned the distinction of being named in Who's Who 
Among American Colleges and Universities. These accomplishments served 
as a hint of the dedicated life which Jimmy would eventually lead.
  Upon his return to Abbeville, Jimmy quickly became a respected and 
admired businessman in the community. His rental and finance firm 
provided the vehicle for Jimmy to help to organize and assist area 
businesses. He was the charter president of the Abbeville Jaycees, and 
was awarded the highest Jaycees honor by being named International 
Senator in 1975. Jimmy moved on to become the president of the 
Abbeville Chamber of Commerce in 1975 and 1976. During his tenure, the 
Chamber saw unprecedented growth and one of the largest memberships in 
the history of the organization. Jimmy was a member of the Abbeville 
Lions Club and a former member of the Abbeville Kiwanis Club. He also 
served for eight years on the Abbeville Recreation Board, two of those 
as chairman. No one would dispute the fact that he played a vital role 
in the development of these various organizations and the entire 
business community of Abbeville.
  Jimmy also achieved notoriety with his impressive political 
achievements. He was first elected Mayor of Abbeville in 1988 and was 
currently serving in his third term. He was vice-president of the Board 
of Directors of the Southeast Alabama Regional Landfill Authority. He 
served dutifully on the Board of the Southeast Alabama Gas District for 
ten years, taking the position of chairman in 1995. He was active in 
the Alabama League of Municipalities as a member of the Executive 
Committee, and achieved the high honor of being a certified municipal 
official. Jimmy was extremely proud of his accomplishments as Mayor, 
most recently working with my office to secure important transportation 
and downtown revitalization grants.
  Remarkably, Jimmy's business and political successes did not take 
away from his other devotions. Jimmy was a man with unwavering 
religious beliefs that led to a life of teaching the word of God. He 
was a charter member of the Calvary Baptist Church of Abbeville, where 
he served for 36 years. During this time, Jimmy served in a variety of 
capacities for the Church, including the post of chairman of the 
deacons for four terms, as well as Sunday School superintendent and 
teacher. Along with these responsibilities, Jimmy was the founding 
director of the Abbeville Christian Academy and served on its Board of 
Directors for many years. During his time involved with the Calvary 
Baptist Church and the Abbeville Christian Academy, Jimmy had the 
opportunity to help shape the lives of the

[[Page S11190]]

children whom he taught and provided them with a firm groundwork in 
morality and Christianity which will help to guide them through life.
  From his youth, Jimmy was also an avid sports fan. Having played 
football for Coach Bobby Bowden at Howard College, his competitive 
spirit never faltered. He was a former coach of the Abbeville Christian 
Academy Pee Wee Generals, and freely gave of his time to coach various 
teams in the Abbeville Recreation Department. He also was an avid 
Auburn University fan, from where his two daughters, Lil and Fran, 
graduated.
  James Francis ``Jimmy'' Crawford will be remembered as a devoted 
husband and father. He will be missed by all who knew him, especially 
his wife Jo Smith Crawford; his daughters Lillian Ella Crawford, of 
Birmingham; and Martha Frances Crawford, of Abbeville; and other 
relatives and many friends whose lives he touched.
  I will truly miss Jimmy. His many accomplishments touched the lives 
of every citizen of Abbeville and beyond. He should be remembered as a 
man with great vision and leadership. My heart is with his family 
during this difficult time.

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