James Oliver "Papa" Cranfield

It is with profound sadness that the family of James Oliver Cranfield shares with you the loss of this truly wonderful man. Jim passed away on Saturday, February 22nd, 2020, at age 84, surrounded by his three children, Sharon Buth (Terry), Lynn Mork (David), and Wade Cranfield (Toni).

Jim, “Papa”, is further survived by his stepson, Barry Toms, his grandchildren, Jeremy van Sliedrecht (Lara), Jenni Diaz (Jason), Anna Mork, Trevor Buth, Bobby Cranfield, Skylar Cranfield, Ian Cranfield, and great grandchildren, Tryston Diaz, Isa Diaz, Lydia Diaz, and Mary Mork. He was preceded in death by his wife of many years, Nora Cranfield, his stepchildren Phillip and Debbie Toms, and his grandson, Samuel Mork. Jim will be fondly remembered and missed by other relatives and many close friends, and sorely missed by his beloved Newly, the rescue dog he leaves behind.

Jim was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Oliver James Cranfield and Lydia Lena Cranfiled (Nee Enzenbach). He was raised in Milwaukee, and the family later moved to Greenfield, Wisconsin where Jim raised his own family.

Jim was a veteran of the Korean War where he served in the Air Force in radio communications. He studied journalism in college and later worked as a traveling reporter, and then for Allen Bradley for many years where he won the hearts of colleagues and developed lifelong friendships. Jim was a woodworker at heart and had a talent for bringing antiques back to their original state. He was meticulous in his work and shared his passion for the craft with his family and friends.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman with a love for hunting and fishing and a deep respect for our environment, which he supported and protected until his dying day. He also supported many animal protection agencies and encouraged others to do the same. Jim cherished his original 1800’s log cabin, the sound of the loons on the lake, and loved watching the eagles soar from their island perch. He was that rare combination of a man who had a love for living life to the fullest and yet a firm understanding of what was most important in life which, to him, was being surrounded by those you love.

Papa was the warmest, most loving man. He had a huge heart for anyone going through a hard time and was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back if you needed it and wouldn’t think twice about it. He was the center of an adoring family and a rock for all. To say he was a devoted father does not capture how he cared for his children. His steadfast love was a calming presence that was immediately and profoundly missed, leaving a gaping hole in our broken hearts.