James "JN" Nealy Crum

James “JN” Nealy Crum, Age 80, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida entered into his eternal rest in Heaven on September 12, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. James was born September 30, 1940 in Tishomingo. Mississippi to the late Clifford Clinton Crum and Velma Minyon (Keenum) Crum.

He married Patricia Anne (Anderson) on August 21, 1962 while stationed in the Philippines. They were married 59 years. To this union, they were blessed with three children, Deborah (Dave) Hildebrand, James (Dawn) Crum and Kimberly (Richard) Worsham; eight Grandchildren, James Boyce, Candace Arnold, Colby, Camryn, Cenedy and Cannon Crum, Kayln and Ryan Worsham; as well as two great-grandchildren, Cylis and Kamreigh Arnold.

James loved his country, he served in the United States Air Force for twenty-one years. During his service he was stationed in Japan, Philippines, Germany, Vietnam and Thailand before finally relocating to the panhandle where he served as a Weapons Technical Instructor on AC130 Gunships stationed at Eglin and Hurlbert Air Force Bases. After retirement, JN ran a successful painting and decoration business, Creative Touch, for twenty years.

James was also a proud member of Good Shepard Lutheran Church. He was dedicated to his church and dearly loved serving his fellow church family. His favorite hobbies included woodworking, bowling, playing softball, gardening and fishing. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, Nascar and watching Florida Gators Football.

JN is Survived by his wife, Patricia Crum; Children, Deborah (Dave) Hildebrand, James (Dawn) Crum and Kimberly (Richard) Worsham; brother, Phillip (Reba) Crum; eight Grandchildren, James Boyce, Candace Arnold, Colby, Camryn, Cenedy and Cannon Crum, Kayln and Ryan Worsham; two great-grandchildren, Cylis and Kamreigh Arnold; as well as many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Velma Crum; brothers, Kenneth and Richard Crum; sister, Sandra Schalkle and granddaughter, Cassidy Jade Crum.

A Funeral Service will be held at Good Shepard Lutheran Church, 1 Meigs Drive, Shalimar, Florida, 32579 on Saturday, September 18, 2021 beginning at 1:00pm with Pastor Ray Angerman presiding. There will be a reception immediately following in the fellowship hall. The Interment will take place on Wednesday, September, 22, 2021 at 10:00am at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Rd, Pensacola, FL 32508.

The family would like to thank Dr. Weisbuck and Vitas Hospice for their love and care also, Pastor Ray Angerman and his church family for their love and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Good Shepard Lutheran Church in memory of James C. Crum.

We love you and will miss you and your contagious smile and laugh but we rejoice in knowing you are with Jesus and no longer suffering in pain. Until we see you again…