JAMES MORRIS “J.M.” CRIGHTON

James Morris “J.M.” Crighton, 95, of Willard passed away on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. He was born May 5, 1929, in Springfield; the son of Maurice and Doris(Haun) Crighton.  
On Aug. 11, 1949, he married Nancy Collup and they recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.
Along with his family, he operated a Century Farm (1867) and in 1961, he became the postmaster of Willard. He also served as postmaster in Marshfield and Lebanon until his retirement in 1993. He was active in several civic organizations including: Masonic Lodge, Shriners and Elks; and was also a founding member of Willard Lion’s Club and the Willard Children’s Charitable Foundation. He was a National American Farmer and the oldest former Missouri State FFA officer at the time of his death.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; four children: Jim (Marilyn) Crighton, Ron (Mary) Crighton, Andy (Nita) Crighton, and Anne (Roger) Ziehm; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many other family and friends.
Services were held on Sunday, Oct. 6, at Willard Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church in Willard.
Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home in Ash Grove.