James F. Crisman 83 of Melbourne, Ar. passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at White River Medical Center in Batesville.
James was born in Ottawa, Illinois to George and Bernice (Brownfield) Crisman on Jan. 15, 1938.
He met and married the love of his life Nancy June Bayer on May 21, 1960, at the Norway United Methodist Church.
James served two years in the United States Marine Corps before beginning his 30-year career at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet, Illinois.
In 1986 James retired from Caterpillar Tractor and he & Nancy moved to Melbourne, Arkansas where he helped create the Allison/Sylamore Fire Department.
James spent several years working on the fire department while using his spare time creating treasures for his family and friends. Making furniture and crafts became his passion, if Nancy drew it or had a need for something Jim created it. There was nothing he couldn’t repair, build or create if anyone had a need. He and Nancy enjoyed many years of teaching their grandchildren to enjoy the rivers and creeks that surrounded them. Every grandchild could cast a line and bait a hook before they could write their names. When they weren’t enjoying the joys of nature or building treasures, he and Nancy could be found teaching their grandchildren the fine art of yard sale.
In their 58 plus years of marriage, he and Nancy shared many adventures all while raising their eight children who adored them.
James is survived by his children, Tammie (Clifton) Lessman of Mountain View, James (Pam) Crisman of Norway Illinois, Nick (Laura) Crisman of Marseilles Illinois, Pammie Revell of Mountain View, Vickie (Charles) Stroud of Mountain View, Norma (Robert) Burdette of Mountain View, John (Jennifer) Crisman of Mountain View, Rick (Cindy) Crisman of Fayetteville; 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
James was proceeded in death by his loving wife Nancy; his parents George and Bernice, one brother, Joseph, three sisters; Alberta, Lois, Beverly, one son-in-law, Charles, one grandson, Thomas and his daughter Ann Marie who passed in infancy.
Jim lived an amazingly full life surrounded by family and friends. His passing will leave all who knew him many fond memories of the strong, caring, wonderful man he was.
