Crane, James Jeffrey, 83, child of God through faith in Christ, was called to his heavenly home on November 1, 2024. He was born in St. Louis, on July 18, 1941. Jeff was an avid hunter, fisherman, and world traveler. His love of learning led him to study at St. John's College (Winfield, KS), Harris Teacher's College (St. Louis, MO), Concordia (Seward, NE), Concordia Seminary (Springfield, IL), and Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA). He served as vicar at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wichita, KS, before being ordained at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, IA, where he served for 3 years.

On June 4, 1966, he married Susan Ann Heggemeier who he shared nearly 50 years of joyful marriage. They were blessed with two daughters, Christina and Jenny. His ministry took him to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wichita, KS, to become the assistant pastor and campus pastor at Wichita State University. In 1978 he became the senior pastor of Holy Cross, Lutheran Church which he cherished deeply. After his retirement, he dedicated himself to Orphan Grain Train, establishing a warehouse in Wichita which continues to thrive.

He was preceded in death by his wife Susan Crane; parents James and Ellyn Crane. Survived by daughters, Christina (Darrin) Houck of Maryville, IL, Jenny (Ian) Hemmings of Orange, CA; sister, Becky Mayes of Wamego, KS; grandchildren, Tanner (Abby) Houck of Jupiter, FL, Shelby Houck of Chicago, IL, Sarah and Ella Hemmings, Claire Houck; sister-in-laws Lois Kersten, Carol ( Dennis) Bell, Gail (Joel) Winningham; brother-in-law Lyle (Debbie) Heggemeier, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024 at Laurel Hill Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Wichita, KS where he formerly served as pastor.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 600 North Greenwich Road, Wichita, KS 67206 or Orphan Grain Train, 911 West Maple Street, Wichita, KS 67213. Contributions can be received at the visitation or may be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL.