James F. "Big Jim" Cravener

James F. "Big Jim" Cravener, 80, formerly of Kittanning, died March 21, 2024, in Cornerstone Hospice, The Villages, FL.

Born February 1, 1944, in Roswell, NM, he was a son of the late James Frank and Mary Louise (Cravenor) Cravener.

Jim was Catholic by faith.  He was employed by the U.S. Army as an E-7 for 27 years, and served in the Dominican Crisis.

Jim was very patriotic.  He was a life member of the Ford City VFW, and belonged to the American Legion in Bushnell, FL.  He was also a member of the Men's Club in Kittanning.  He enjoyed traveling, and watching the History Channel, especially "Ancient Aliens".  He loved his dogs, Moose and Ringo, and cherished time spent with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Miller) Cravener; four sons: Jimmy (Vicki) Cravener, David (Karin) Cravener, Eric (Kriss) Cravener, and Jeff (Tonya) Cravener; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Cravener; sisters, Anna, Irene, and Jo; and brothers, Tom "Tucker" and John "Smoky".

Friends will be welcomed from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City, where a blessing service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, with The Very Rev. Eric J. Dinga, V.F., officiating.  Entombment will follow in Lawn Haven Burial Estates.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.  www.stjude.org/donate.  To share memories or condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.

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