James Richard Crawford

James Richard Crawford, age 96, a resident of Philippi, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Broaddus Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 22, 1929, in Duffy, Lewis County, West Virginia, a son of the late James Clinton Crawford and Elizabeth (Allman) Crawford.

Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Betty Lemmons Crawford on June 13, 1953. She preceded him in death on October 4, 2023.

He is survived by his daughter, Judith Ann Crawford McDaniel and husband Timothy L. McDaniel; two grandsons, Adam Brian McDaniel and wife Amanda Stoner McDaniel, and Ryan Blake McDaniel and partner Jeremiah Jones; and three great-grandchildren, Avery Nicole McDaniel, Payton Elizabeth McDaniel, and Landon Timothy McDaniel; brother-in-law Donald Linger.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings, William Maynard Crawford, Anna Louise Crawford Cummings, and Phyllis Jean Crawford Linger,  brother-in-law, George Cummings, and sister-in-law, Laura Kathyrn Crawford.

Mr. Crawford was a graduate of Weston High School and Alderson Broaddus College. He dedicated 43 years of service to Myers Clinic and Broaddus Hospital, where he worked as a medical photographer and later served as Director of Personnel. He also shared his knowledge as a part-time instructor in the Radiology Program at Alderson Broaddus College for 16 years.

He was a faithful member of Crim Memorial United Methodist Church. Mr. Crawford was also a member of Bigelow Lodge No. 52 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Clarksburg, Orient of West Virginia, and the Valley of Wheeling, where he attained the 32° degree. Additionally, he was a member emeritus of the Biological Photographic Association as a Registered Medical Photographer and an associate member of the Barbour County Retired School Personnel.

Mr. Crawford proudly served his country in the United States Army in the Chemical Corps at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, with the 9771st TSU, Sixth Army.

Family will receive friends at Wright Funeral Home and on-site Crematory 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi, on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and again on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM.  Funeral services will begin at 3:00 PM, with Pastor Sam Haught officiating.

Interment will follow in Mt. Vernon Memorial Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, with Masonic rites conducted by Bigelow Lodge No. 52 A.F. & A.M., and military honors provided by the United States Army.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Crim Memorial United Methodist Church, 78 Pike Street, Philippi, WV 26416.