James “Jim” Strickland Crandall

James (Jim) Strickland Crandall, age 83, of Hilliard, OH, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 24, 2020.

Jim was born at Mount Carmel Hospital in Columbus on December 25, 1936, to the late Carl Minor Crandall and Geraldine Maude Crandall (nee Strickland).  He graduated from Norwalk High School in 1954. He served in the US Army from 1955-1956.

He started as a volunteer fireman for Norwich Township Fire Department in Hilliard in the late 1950’s. At that time Jim also helped build The Dairy Cone restaurant that his parents built and owned in Hilliard. He and his first wife, Kathleen, were the first couple to be married at Hilliard United Methodist Church in February 1958.  He became a full time firefighter for Norwich Township in 1962, where he retired as Lieutenant in 1991. Jim always enjoyed watching the horse races at Beulah Park and at Scioto Downs where he sold programs for over 25 years, he enjoyed a good golf game, playing cards with friends, and making daily trips to Meijer for coffee and donuts. 

Jim is preceded in death by parents Carl and Geraldine, wife of over 30 yrs JoAnn Farrell, sister Joy Nichols, daughter Sherry Whitt, nephew Bill Nichols, grandson Austin Harrison, and great great grandson Kolton Toland.

He and JoAnn attended Cypress Wesleyan Church in Galloway.

Jim is survived by daughters Diana (Rick) Robinson and Karen Crandall. Grandchildren Kevin Crandall, Diana Crandall, Kaylyn Harrison and Megan Harrison. Great grandchildren Amanda Fourman, Holly (Billy) Johnson, Michelle Crandall, Brandon Crandall, Andrew Crandall, Mia Daniels and Addyson Nelson. Great great grandchildren Avery Johnson and Carter Johnson. Niece Laura (David) Burnett, lifelong friend Thelma Kesler and a host of many friends.

Jim was an extraordinary man and will be missed dearly by his family and friends. 

His showing will be at the TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich Street, Hilliard, Ohio, 43026, on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a short, informal memorial service where anyone is welcome to share a story about Jim.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Professional Firefighters of Norwich Township Local 1723, 5181 Northwest Pkwy, Hilliard, OH, 43026.