James Elmer Crump Jr. was born August 1, 1947 to James Elmer
Crump Sr. and Shirley Brown-Crump in Highland, Illinois. He attended and graduated from Edwardsville High and even some college. After which he joined the
United States Marine Corp where he served 3 years and was honorably discharged
with a purple heart. James later joined the Edwardsville, Illinois Police Department
where he served as the first black police officer.
James later moved to Wichita, Kansas and found a church home at Grant Chapel
AME, where he was committed to serving the Lord. He also joined the Wichita Police Department
where he served for five years.
James became a security officer at Boeing Aircraft where he met and was captivated by the love of his
life, Pauline. They were married for 31 years and together they shared seven children.
James was a great pillar of the community by his faith, sheer will and determination to see change in
his community, he was the President of the NAACP for two terms. James loved being the president
because it allowed him to do what he loved which was helping people and "running his mouth". If
you knew James then you knew that he loved to talk, he never met a stranger.
He also became the Commander of the American Legion Post #273 where he also served two terms.
James loved baseball and watching sports, you could always catch him on Sundays watching is favorite football team, the Steelers.
While James loved being involved in the community, you would find he was the happiest spending
time with family and friends.
At times he could come off as harsh or stern, but he had a heart of gold. He was always willing to
help financially or give advice.
On September 29, 2020, God reached out his hand and said, "job well done, I give you eternal rest".
Greeting James at heaven's gate are his parents James Elmer Sr. and Shirley Brown-Crump; sister
Pamela Crump; brother Richard Crump, and grandson Nathan Smith.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife, Pauline Crump; sister Debbie Crump; sons Preston Crump, Larry (Linda) Fuller, James Fuller, Avery Crump, and Styles Crump; daughters, Marlina (Darnell) Fuller-Thomas, Sherri Guliford, 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, along with
a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.