James "Bruce" Crawford, Sr. of Bowling Green, Florida passed away peacefully next to
his wife at home on May 13, 2026. He was born to Corby and Sally Crawford on
January 23, 1952. Raised in Hardee County his whole life, he married his high school
sweetheart, Joni Himrod. They would have celebrated their 54 th wedding anniversary
this June. The years they had together were filled with laughs, trials, love, and a few
tears. Bruce worked for CF Industries for many years, but his true calling was that of a
farmer, like his father and father-in-law before him. Farming was in his blood, and he
spent his life cultivating crops like peppers, cucumbers, watermelons, cantaloupes, and
(mostly) oranges. He had a passion for growing things, and his family often joked that
the dirt ran through his veins. Bruce loved hunting, watching for wildlife, and spending
time with his family who he loved tremendously. He will be remembered as a devoted
Daddy, cousin, husband, and (jokingly) "the Colonel." He is preceded in death by his
parents, his brothers – Madison and Shafter, and his father and mother-in-law – Joe and
Johnna Mae Himrod. He is survived by his loving wife, Joni; his son, Jamie (Renee) of
Bowling Green; his daughter, Jenna (Lee) of Milton, Florida; and his grandchildren –
Dylan (Faith) of Wauchula; Weston of Milton; and Allison of Wauchula.