James A. Crandall

Crandall, James A. "Jim"MADISON- James A. "Jim" Crandall, age 87, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, May 17, 2011. He was born on Jan. 20, 1924, in Mondovi, the son of Russell and Mary (Lawrence) Crandall. Jim graduated from Mondovi High School in 1942. He proudly served in the Army Air Corps during World War II where he flew B-25 Mitchell bombers out of Italy, bombing the Brenner Pass in Germany, in 1944 and also was an instructor for teaching new pilots. Jim married Janis Colby on July 2, 1949. He continued his education at Eau Claire Teachers College before transferring to UW-Madison Law School. While attending law school he worked for the Madison Police Department. Following graduation Jim began his lengthy career as a police officer, was promoted to detective and then went to work for the Dane County District Attorney's office, as an assistant D.A., retiring in 1995. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Jim was a charter member since 1967 of the Madison Packer Backer Inc. and served on their board of directors. He was a lifetime member of EAA and also a member of the IAC (International Aerobatic Club), the NRA, the UW Grid Iron Club, the VFW Truax-Longmire Post 8483, a 27 year member of Elks Lodge No. 410, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rites and the Zor Shrine Escort Patrol, and a member of the Quiet Birdmen made up of only pilots, started in 1921 in New York. Jim had a love for speed, especially for aviation and motorcycles since high school. A faithful Badgers and Packers football supporter, Jim rarely missed a game for either team. Jim is survived by his wife, Janis of 62 years; canine companion, Mitzy; many half brothers and half sisters, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; special aunt and uncle, Orv and Myra Crandall; and special cousin, Laurel Pape. Services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, with an Elks Service beginning at 3 p.m. followed by a memorial service on Saturday, May 21, 2011, with the Rev. Amanda Stein presiding. Military rites will be conducted following the service. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1:30p.m. until the time of service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elks Lodge No. 410, Dane County Humane Society, Masonic Lodge or Trinity United Methodist Church. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elks Lodge #410, Dane County Human Society, Masonic Lodge or Trinity United Methodist Church. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1:30p.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Service: Services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, with an Elks Service beginning at 3 p.m. followed by a memorial service on Saturday, May 21, 2011, with the Rev. Amanda Stein presiding. Military rites will be conducted following the service.