James P. Crum 1940-2025

He was born Jan. 8, 1940, in Beaver Township, a son of the late William F. and the late Helen L. Fink Crum.

He married Janice Carlyle (formerly Powelson) Cline on Dec. 22, 1985.

He was a 1958 graduate of Western Reserve in Berlin Center and retired as a salvage technician from General Motors after 40 years.

James was a member of Victory Church in Lowellville and previously attended Pleasant Valley Church in Niles and First Assembly of God Church in Salem. Jim served as a Royal Ranger Outpost Sr. Commander and was instrumental in the launch, development and growth of the Royal Rangers program in churches across the Youngstown / Warren area with the sole purpose of reaching boys and young men for Christ.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved fur trapping, fishing, hunting, camping, water skiing, scuba diving and biking. He also enjoyed indoor activities, such as square dancing and league bowling. Jim built his first home with his self-taught carpentry skills and even designed and built an addition that almost doubled the size of his second home. Once Jim honed his skills, he was a patient teacher who taught others who were willing to learn.

Jim loved to host gatherings at his home, whether it was for family, friends or new acquaintances. Everyone loved his fruit salad and homemade ice cream. He treated every interaction as an opportunity to help, mentor, minister or guide people to Christ.

He was the real example of Jesus Christ, who lived above reproach in every facet of his life. Ask anyone who knew him and you will probably hear many say, “I am where I am (found Salvation) because of Jim.”

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 40 years, Janice F. Crum of Mineral Ridge; sister, Shirley Giering; children, Linda (Donald) Fridley, Sandra (Bob) Mitchell, Catreese (Joe) Discerni, Terry (Rhonda) Cline and Frank (Stephanie) Cline III; 16 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Arkwright.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Carl W. Hall Funeral Service Inc., 533 N Park Ave., Warren. A service, officiated by Bishop David Thomas, will be held at the funeral home, immediately following calling hours.

Interment will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at Green Haven Memorial Gardens in Canfield.

The family requests that any financial or material contributions be mailed through USPS, addressed to Crossway Family Church Royal Rangers, P.O. Box 93, Vienna, OH 44473, in his memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Carl W. Hall Funeral Home.

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