Obituary of James C. Cranwell

“A local boy made good," James Charles Cranwell, 88, of Brick, NJ, flew his last mission on June 4", 2022. Jim's love for all things New Jersey started at a young age, growing up in Hudson County, NJ, the oldest of five, meeting the love of his life (Margaret) on a blind date in 1959, and raising four beautiful and magnificent children in Lakewood, NJ. Jim was an extremely selfless man who did anything he could to ensure that everyone felt safe, loved, cared for, and happy. Jim was the literal definition of the type of person who gave you the shirt off of his back. Jim was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, cousin, and most importantly, he was always our best friend. Jim took the utmost care of all of his loved ones, tucking his children and grandchildren into bed because they wouldn't stop crying until he did, traveling hours, even in the middle of the night, to make sure they were alright. Jim was always present especially for his grandchildren who lived in multiple states by attending life's milestones, sporting events, dance recitals and orchestra concerts. If something was important to his loved ones, it was more important to Jim. Jim was the backbone of his family and his community. Jim served in the United States Air Force as a mechanic and was sent to France to teach the local soldiers aircraft repair, and assisted in the Hungarian Air Lift during the Korean War. From establishing a hotline to aid folks in all of their hard times, when it seemed like no one else would listen, to umpiring little league baseball, and being a band parent, to being the best cheerleader all of his grandchildren could ever dream of. Jim is survived by his sisters, Martha and Elizabeth. Jim is also survived by his four children, Mary, Lori (Jeff), Jimmy (Sue), and Kathleen, and his five grandchildren, Jimmy, Matt, Helen, Julia, and Christopher. Jim lived an astounding life and never met a stranger, he is sorely missed. Visitation will be held at Kedz Funeral Home, 1123 Hooper Ave., Toms River, on Sunday, June 12, from 2:00 to 5:00pm. A funeral service will be offered at 4:30pm. Burial will take place 10:30am, Monday, June 1,3 at the Brig. General William Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Arneytown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, we are asking that you please make a donation in Jim's name to the Brick Township Fire Department (www.brickfire.org).