James Lamar Crenshaw passed away peacefully Friday, January 18, 2019 at The Jane Adams House in Fernandina Beach, Fla. after a long illness.
He was born September 1, 1947 in Kosciusko, Miss. and grew up in Weir, Miss. He attended Mississippi State University for one year and played football there in the 1965-66 season. He then transferred to the University of Richmond in Virginia and played football four years. He graduated in 1970 with a degree in business. While at University of Richmond, he was co-captain of the 1969 football team, played in the 1968 Tangerine Bowl, and holds the record for most punt returns in a game.
His first job out of college was with General Medical in Richmond, Va. He later moved to the Atlanta, Ga. area, where he continued his career and excelled in medical sales until his retirement in 2011. In 2013, he moved to Fernandina Beach, Fla. to be near family during his illness.
Jim loved Jesus, family, football, tennis, golf, the mountains and beach, and life in general. He never met a stranger and was always looking for opportunities to share his faith. He enjoyed mission trips and handing out Bibles to anyone and everyone. He leaves a huge legacy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Troy and Henry Clois Mills Crenshaw, and a granddaughter, Ava Leigh Lewis.
He is survived by his spouse, Pam Harless Crenshaw, and stepdaughter, Rebekah Lewis Lin (Kevin), both of Fernandina Beach; daughter, Angie Crenshaw Sestili (Joey), and stepson, Josh Lewis (Allison), both of Birmingham, Ala.; and son, Jason Crenshaw (Elizabeth) of Savannah, Ga. Surviving grandchildren are Natalie and Michael Sestili; Ansleigh and Chase Crenshaw; Abby, Jack, Isabel, Micah, Julia, and Sam Lewis; and Ayda, Hadley, and Harper Lin. His sister, Sarah Crenshaw McCulloch (David), resides in Ackerman, Miss. He also leaves two nephews, Jeffrey McCulloch (Stephanie) and Mark McCulloch (Jean Maree); and great-nieces and great-nephews Rhett, Millie, Gray and Jax, all of Mississippi.
Remembrances may be made in Jim’s memory to Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach at mumconline.com/give or Boston University’s Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy Fund at https://tinyurl.com/CrenshawCTE.