Obituary of James V. Crum II

James "Jim" V. Crum, II, transitioned April 14, 2011 in Ocala, FL with his son at his side. He passed from the combined effects of Parkinson, a recent stroke, and heart failure. Jim was a long time resident of Ocala. He was born on July 6, 1920, in the family home of James Singletary outside of Ft. Meade, FL, to James Vivien Crum and Una Singletary Crum. He attended high school at Summerlin Institute and graduated 1939. He then attended Florida Southern College on a tuba band scholarship and worked on a campus building, Annie Phifer Chapel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. He joined the Army Air Corp in 1942 and was a pilot. Following WWII, he was in Germany and flew the Berlin Air Lift in C-54 four engine transport planes. While in Germany, he traded cigarettes for a full Rosenthal China service which would become his wedding gift to his yet unknown bride, Gwendolyne Ruth Ramage. He enjoyed a 37 year marriage to Gwendolyne, who was a school teacher and county school administrator. She predeceased him in 1987 due to renal failure. Through over 20 years of combined active Air Force and Reserve service he attained the rank of Lt. Col. Jim also became a successful entrepreneur in agriculture, citrus, and trucking. He and his son built a regional trucking line, Crum Transport, Inc., which had the largest fleet of hopper bottom trailers in Florida when it was sold in 1997. Jim was active in Kiwanis. He was the founding president of the Lake Weir Kiwanis Club in 1954 then became Governor of Florida Kiwanis in 1966. He was involved in Kiwanis fund raising, held numerous offices at the International level, and was a member of the President's Advisory Cabinet. He was also active in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and was "Elk of the Year" twice. Jim was an avid football fan and supporter of the Florida Gators. A natural athlete, at the age of 71 he took up Golf and had two holes in one. He enjoyed both pleasure boating and boat racing. He loved big band music, had a melodic voice, and was an excellent dancer. Jim also enjoyed playing bridge, grilling, and being in nature. With his son, he took many trips to National Parks as well as destinations such as New England, Canada, and Europe. His son took him on a safari in Kenya for his 78th birthday. Jim generously donated to many causes, especially those related to youth, and was actively involved in Methodist Churches in both Ocklawaha and Ocala. Although well known as a business and civic leader, he was perhaps best known for being the consummate "Southern Gentleman." He is survived by his son, James Vivien "J. V." Crum, III, Esq., one brother, Robert W. Crum, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces. Viewing will be on Sunday, April 17, 2011 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home, 910 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL. Funeral services will be on Monday, April 18, 2011 at 3:00 PM, First United Methodist Church, 1126 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL with Rev John F. Few presiding. Eulogies will be delivered by: Thomas J. Falvey, long time friend; Clifford Eugene Ramage, nephew; Nancy Ramage Garrett, niece; and James Vivien "J. V." Crum, III, Esq, son. There will be a private family burial which will include a military honor guard. Arrangements by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home, 352-629-7171.