James “Jim” William Craven, 87, of Montgomery City, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.
Jim was born in Kentucky on May 4, 1935, the son of John “Richard” Craven and Lily May (Rodgers) Craven. He was a veteran and served in the United States Army for two years. He moved around a lot as a child and eventually settled in Montgomery City and began to build a home that his family could be together in. In August 1957, he married the love of his life, Juanita “June” Dority. Together, they raised 18 children and opened their loving home to numerous foster children over the years.
Jim and June were a love story that will live forever in the hearts of all who knew them. Their family knows they are dancing in the clouds now. Jim was preceded in death by his wife in 2013. Family was everything to Jim. He was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Jim was the type of man that could build or fix anything. He enjoyed woodworking, fixing small motors and cars and trucks. He was a member of the New Florence Saddle Club. He loved his horses and going on trail rides.
Jim worked hard for the things that he had and for land to leave to his children. He was also a mechanic and a truck driver. At one point, there wasn’t much that Jim couldn’t do.
Jim is survived by 17 children, 39 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and a brother, Jack Craven.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Lily Craven; a daughter, Angela June; and 12 brothers and sisters.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 2 p.m. at VFW Post 4436 in Montgomery City.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Heart Association, in care of Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361.
