Nancy and Jim Crawley

Nancy and Jim Crawley were never far apart from each other in life. Even in death, they were never far apart; Nancy passing on July 4, 2024, and Jim passing on July 31, 2024. They devoted those years together in service to thousands of students and athletes. Jim devoted over 50 years of teaching and coaching to his resume. Prior to that, he devoted his service to the country as a member of the United States Air Force. He served as Athletic Director, Head Football coach, Head Men’s Basketball coach and Head Women’s Basketball coach, and professor in the Physical Education Department, serving at Frostburg State University from 1968 until his retirement in 2004. For his service to the university, he was inducted into the Bobcat Hall of Fame in 1997. He was a member of Frostburg United Methodist Church and could be frequently found at the local convenience stores early in the morning with a cup of coffee and several newspapers in hand, and a smile with some words of encouragement for all who came upon him. That’s why he was simply known as “Coach”, a moniker that reflected his kind and generous soul. 

Nancy, the athlete in the family, was a three-sport athlete while a student at Lynchburg College. She was the first Lynchburg College student-athlete, male or female, to receive 12 varsity letters. For that achievement she was inducted into the Lynchburg College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986. Nancy devoted over 30 years of service to Frostburg State University as Head Women’s Tennis coach, Women’s Volleyball coach, and assisting her husband during Women’s Basketball season. For that service she was inducted into the Bobcat Hall of Fame in 1999. She also served as professor in the Physical Education Department at Frostburg State University where she took great pride in teaching thousands of young people how to swim. She was a proud member of Frostburg United Methodist church, the Garden club, and many other civic organizations. 

Jim and Nancy were very proud parents of their two sons, Jim (wife Martha) and John. Jim is an assistant professor of Health Sciences and the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative at Dominican University New York. John is the High Performance Director of Olympic Team Sports for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee in San Diego, California. 

Jim and Nancy were also very proud grandparents to twins Nicole and Jennifer Crawley who share the traits of service to others. 

Friends will be received on Monday, August 5 from 4:00 to 7:00 at Durst Funeral Home in Frostburg. A celebration of life will be planned for the fall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be contributed in their name in support of youth sports and Frostburg civic organizations.