Jim Crank Funeral

Welcome and Invocation:

Dear friends and family, we gather here today in the presence of God to celebrate the life of Jim Crank.

We come with hearts full of gratitude for the time we were blessed to share with him.

Let us open our hearts in prayer.

Heavenly Father, we seek Your comfort and strength in this time of loss. Surround us with Your peace and help us to remember the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Opening Hymns:

Victory in Jesus (Jim’s Favorite Hymn)

In the Garden

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 5:1-12 or Proverbs 11:25 or 1 Corinthians 13

Eulogy:

Jonathan

Esther

Maybe read JoBeth’s letter

Open up to attendees (potentially get them to submit what they want to say to the family 1st)

Reflection and Homily:

Salvation Message

[messaged based on life of deceased]

What one adjective would you use to describe him/her?

Selfless

Devoted

Ardent love for Jesus

Giving

Laid Back

Introvert

Generous

Caring

Did he have any particular loves or hobbies?

Reader: Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, Missionary Magazines

Cook: cast iron skillet, watch cooking shows, pork & cabbage, stir fry, Chinese food, mom was a gourmet cook

Trivia: Jeopardy, daily cross word puzzles

Stocks: Day trade stocks on computer

Did he enjoy any particular songs, poems, or Scriptures?

Read 5 Psalms and 1 Proverb per day

Classical music: Handel’s Messiah

Southern Gospel: Oakridge Boys, Cathedrals

If you could name one value or lesson he most wanted to teach the next generation, what would it be?

Generosity

He would wear used shoes so he had more money to donate to missionaries

He believed we should be uncomfortable on Earth

Family came first

Never intended to get marries but lived God -> spouse -> family -> others

Believed strongly in keeping your marriage strong

Prayed for missionaries and others for hours with Esther

Esther “missionary dated” Jim; they got married 5 months after they met

Very proud of his children: Jonathan playing in worship at church

Loved spending time with grandchildren

What one achievement or accomplishment would make his eyes light up when you mentioned it?

Post office clerk

4 years in Air Force as communication (morse code) - stationed in Alaska and Louisiana

At 8 he read the encyclopedia

What were some of his favorite phrases or sayings?

You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk

Did he ever put anything up on the wall—a picture, a motto, a clipping that expresses who he really was?

Did he like his first name? Did he have any nicknames?

Jimbo - Mother

Jim - everyone else

Didn’t like James

Was there a cause or movement that he felt deeply about and supported with time and finances?

Missionaries / Global Partners

If he could have me say one thing during the funeral, what do you think it would be?

Jim had his priorities right - God -> Esther -> Family -> everyone else

Never stop growing - Jim continued learning throughout his life

Why do you think this world is a little different because of him?

Non-judgemental

Made everyone feel loved

Reflected Christ’s love to everyone

Loved it out - didn’t preach, but showed others through action

Prayer of Comfort:

Will you join me in prayer.

God, as we have learned to do in all our experiences, we come to You in the hour of death. We know that You love us, and that You can turn even the shadow of death into the light of morning. Help us now to wait before You with reverent and submissive hearts. Make this a time of opening our eyes and our understanding, and a time of admonishing our hearts and souls. Bless those who feel this sorrow most keenly, and make this a time when we all grow closer to you and feel the love of your son Jesus Christ in new and tangible ways. For it is in your Son Jesus name that we pray.

Amen.

Closing Hymn:

Majesty and Glory of Your Name

Benediction:

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Go in peace, and may the love of God be with you always.

Amen.

Post Service Luncheon: