James E. Crane

James E. Crane, age 57, of Middletown, OH, passed away Sunday afternoon January 19, 2014. James was a son of Steven & Ethel (Lainhart) Crane. He worked 35 years for Swifty Gas & Oil at various locations; and most recently as the station manager at Swifty's in New Paris. Along with his family he raised, trained and raced standard bred horses and was well known in harness racing circles. He is preceded in death by his father on July 1, 1998: maternal grandparents Sanford & Donie Lainhart; paternal grandparents Steve and Mary Crane; and paternal uncle Albert Crane. James is survived by his mother Ethel Crane of Middletown; brother Billy Joe Crane of Middletown: maternal uncles Junior Lainhart & wife Wilma and Jerry Lainhart & wife Pat all of Richmond, KY: paternal uncles and aunts Charles Whittamore, J.B. Crane, Beaulah Willis, Eula Combs and Jewel Evans all of KY: and a host of cousins. Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Friday, January 24, 2014 at the Robert L. Crooks Funeral Center at Preble Memory Gardens - 3377 US Rt. 35 - West Alexandria, OH. James' uncle Charles Whittamore will officiate the service. Friends may call on the family from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Thursday at the funeral home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Assn. Burial Preble Memory Gardens Cemetery. Online condolences at www.rlcfc.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James E. Crane please visit our Sympathy Store.