James Allen Crossland (Plainview)

James Allen Crossland was born March 14, 1925 to Dora Helen and Blaine K. Crossland in Wichita Falls, Texas. The family moved to Plainview when he was four and he lived there the rest of his life, growing up on a farm in Seth Ward, a place that remained dear to his heart till his last breath. At age sixteen he began working at Meinecke Bros. as part of the Distributive Education program at Plainview High School, working there until he graduated in 1943. At that time, he was accepted for pilot training in the Army Air Corps. He proudly served his country from June that year until February 1946. James met Doris Foreman when he was finishing his service in the Army Air Corps and she was working for the Hale county agent. They married October 19, 1947. By October 1952, three daughters had been added to the family. Having returned to Meinecke Bros. Company in Plainview, following his service, he became a stock holder and the General Manager. He and J.W. Hamby and their wives co-owned and operated one of the first fast-food businesses in Plainview, the Dixie Dog on 5th Street. Later he became the Vice President and General Manager of W.F. Larson Company for many years. He owned and operated several other businesses in Plainview over the years, but he would say that he was a life-long farmer and rancher. James loved Plainview and served his hometown in many ways. He was on the P.I.S.D. School Board, the Central Plains (which became part of Covenant) Hospital Board, a director of the Plainview Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations. First United Methodist Church was home and he served it well all the years. James was grateful to his Lord Jesus Christ for making him part of God’s family. Mr. Crossland was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Doris, his daughter Jane Crossland Luck, and his grandson Brandon Barham, as well as his three brothers Damon, Gene, and Andy. He is survived by his daughter Linda and son-in-law Steve Barham of Lubbock, daughter Cathy and son-in-law Joe Woods of Houston, son-in-law Jim Luck of Houston, grandchildren Jennifer Barham Carroll and husband Eric, Seth Woods, Erin Woods, Jamie Luck, Jared Luck and wife Kelly, and Josh Luck, as well as great-grandchildren Nicholas, Brynn and London Carroll, Emma and Bailey Luck and much-loved nephews, Gary and Bill Crossland. The family wishes to thank the incredible staff of Santa Fe Place for their loving care of James and Doris in their last few years and Area Community Hospice. Their kindness was a blessing to the whole family. The family also would like to say thank you to their many amazing Plainview friends who visited and helped in countless and unselfish ways. We will be forever grateful. James Crossland was a man of indomitable spirit. He loved his Lord, his family and friends and being out on his land. Though his body wore out, he never stopped thinking of ways to make things better. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to First United Methodist Church or the church or charity of your choice. A visitation will be held at 10:00 A.M. until Noon on Saturday, September 1, 2018 in the Parlor of the First United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. inside the Sanctuary with Rev. Mike Shafer officiating. Burial will follow in Plainview Memorial Park under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview.