James "Jimmy" W. Crain Sr.

On Dec 2, 2023, James (Jimmy) W. Crain Sr, beloved dad, “pop pop”, friend and life partner, passed away at the age of 82. His resilience and zest for life was displayed with vigor as he fought hard to beat his illness. He was able to say goodbye to family and friends and then passed away peacefully. He was born on May 28, 1941, to Alice Philips and Laverne Crain in Shreveport, LA. He was raised in Mandeville,LA and majored in Physical Education at Southeastern Louisiana University. By the age of 22, Jimmy had married and fathered three children. He went to work as a car salesman where he excelled. He was a natural salesman and perfected the art of getting a great deal. In 1969, he was offered the GM position at Royal Oldsmobile in Sarasota, FL where he moved and expanded his family with another child. He won numerous awards and shattered all sales records. He later went on to open his own successful pre-owned car lot in Sarasota where he raised his four children. Jimmy taught his children the importance of education and to never give up on anything they want to do in life- “Where there is a Will, there is a Way”. In 1986, after he divorced, Jimmy met his life partner Tina Jordan. They traveled together and opened Maggie’s Antiques in North Carolina where they stayed during the warmer months. Jimmy returned to his hometown of Mandeville whenever possible to visit family and friends and to attend reunions which he cherished. Jimmy was passionate about every thing he did in life and was an avid golfer. His jovial nature and sharp sense of humor made him the “life of the party”. He loved to dance and had the ability to make a pun out of anything. His Indian guides nickname was “Fulabull” which was indicative of his ability to tell a great story. His epic Christmas parties with Elvis impersonators will always bring a smile to those who attended. He is survived by his life partner Christina Jordan, and three children, James Crain Jr., Ronnalyn (Kay) Crain and Jason S. Crain. His beloved daughter Sabrina Crain passed in 2020. He is also survived by his brother Ricky Dale Crain and his grandchildren, Erica DiAngelo Allen, Nick DiAngelo, Chase Crain Perrault, Maxwell Crain Perrault, James W Crain III, Kaci Crain, and Jesi Crain. Jimmy’s departure leaves a void impossible to fill. His legacy of bringing laughter to every gathering, his genuine ability to connect people and his unyielding devotion to his loved ones will be forever etched in our hearts. There will be a memorial service on February 10, 2024 at 10am at the Incarnation Catholic Church, 2929 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239 and a reception directly following at the church’s hall. The family welcomes all who would like to attend. Memorial contributions may be made in Jimmy’s Honor to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org.

James "Jimmy" W. Crain Sr.

May 28, 1941 - December 2, 2023