Jack E. Crawford, 72, White Shield, died on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015 in his sleep at the Garrison Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 am at the First Congregational Church in Garrison. Burial will be at the Garrison City Cemetery.

Jack was born January 30, 1943 in Minot, ND to Charles "Fat" and Gladys (Swayze) Crawford. He was raised on their farm west of Emmet, ND, where he learned his early farm ethics. Jack attended the Blackwater Township country school. When the White Shield School was built, the students were enrolled there. When he was 14, and in the seventh grade, he quit school to begin work as a farm laborer. He worked for various farmers and ranchers in McLean County. During his lifetime, Jack worked in the states of Nebraska, Washington, and of course North Dakota. He usually lived at the farms that he was working on.

Jack married Rhoda M. Star June 6, 1972; they were friends and companions for years. Jack enjoyed the farm life. On their home place south of White Shield they raised cows, (Jack naming every one of them), pigs, chickens and geese. Jack was known for his large gardens, sometimes planting more than they could eat or can. He always gave the extra produce to his neighbors or anyone else he met. 2015 was the first year since 1972 that Jack could not plant a garden or potatoes.

Jack suffered ill-health for many years. He was unable to work anymore, and in 2014 had to sell his cattle. He was hospitalized six times from November 25, 2014 to October 2015. He was thankful for all the well-wishers while he was ill.

Farming and putting up hay were Jack's hobbies. He also loved fishing with relatives and friends. Jack had been cutting the ditches around White Shield for 35 years. They used the hay to feed our bulls, cows, and calves. He did this from June to August very year. This year he wasn't able to cut hay and the people of the community said they missed Jack keeping the roadsides clean and cut. They were so used to him riding on tractors all summer in the ditches, cutting, raking, and bailing.

Jack will be greatly missed by his large family and many friends. People everywhere enjoyed his company. He didn't know a stranger, all were his friends.

Jack is survived by his companion and friend of 45 years, Rhoda Star; special friend; Jack Hintz, niece, Wanda Jackson; brother-cousins, Jim Crawford, John Ray Crawford; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews; his cats, Peanuts, Nosey, and Walmart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Janice Clausen, Joann Slobojan, Joyce Nelson, Marilyn Kerzman, brothers, Billie and Roger Crawford.