James Timothy Crawford

James Timothy Crawford, age 63, of Bradley, tragically lost his life on July 24, 2026. Jimmy was born on October 3, 1962, in Kankakee, the son of James Frederick and Marlene Frances (Giusto) Crawford. Jim has three siblings, David (Nikki) Crawford, Pat (Jennifer) Crawford, and Kelly Crawford (Jasper Capriotti). He was married to Tammy (Pierce) Crawford and had two children, Cameron and Flynn. Jimmy began his sports officiating after fifteen years of employment at Shapiro Developmental Center in Kankakee. Jimmy was a true sports enthusiast with a passion for basketball and baseball. Jimmy graduated from Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School in 1980 as a two-sport standout in basketball and baseball. He pursued his passion and love of sports by playing basketball in college and earned a Physical Education degree from the University of Evansville in 1986. Jimmy continued his love and passion for both basketball and baseball by becoming a referee for basketball at all levels, officiating games from youth leagues through the collegiate level. Jimmy was also a well-known umpire throughout the area. He touched the lives of countless athletes, coaches, and families in the community. His umpiring career included youth baseball and softball, college baseball and softball, and adult softball. He was inducted into the National Softball Association of Illinois Hall of Fame as both a fastpitch and slow-pitch umpire in 2015. He was also a member of several softball associations. If you played sports in Kankakee County, you knew Jimmy. He was a friend to all and loved by everyone. His presence will be deeply missed by the entire sports community. Jimmy was a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley. Surviving are his mother, Marlene Crawford; his two sons, Cameron Crawford of Manteno, Illinois and Flynn Crawford of Chicago, Illinois; two brothers, David (Nikki) Crawford of Kankakee and Patrick (Jennifer) Crawford of Spencer, Indiana; one sister, Kelly (Jasper) Capriotti of Springfield, Illinois; several nieces and nephews, Ron Crawford, Joe Crawford, Harry Crawford, Hayden Crawford, Maxwell Pinski, Sophia (Nick) Rodriguez, Jasper Jr. (Lindsey) Capriotti, Nicholas (Alyssa) Capriotti, Jillian Capriotti, Gianna Capriotti, Lexi Crawford, Alex Gagnon, Cole Gagnon, Tori Gagnon, and Addi Gagnon; and one great-niece, Addison Capriotti. Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, James Crawford. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 20, 2026, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. at Elks Country Club, honoring both Jimmy and his father, James, who passed away on November 24, 2025.

James Timothy Crawford

October 3, 1962 - July 24, 2026