James William Crabtree was born in Peoria, IL on September 9, 1955 to William and JoAnn Bailey. At the age of 2, he and his twin brother, John were adopted by Charles and Nova Crabtree. He died May 24, 2013 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital, Clinton, MO. James' wishes were to be cremated. A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Brownington Baptist Church, Brownington, Missouri. Inurnment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, Brownington, Missouri. A portion of James ashes will be taken to his son Caleb's grave in Brazito, MO, and a portion will be taken to his twin brother John's grave in Arkansas with the remaining being buried in Maplewood Cemetery, Brownington, Missouri. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Clinton Animal Rescue Endeavor and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com. He graduated from Wellington High School and went on to serve in the United Stated Army during the Vietnam Era. In 1983, he married Mary Mefford. To this union, 3 children were born, Amy, Joshua, and Caleb, whom he loved deeply. James led a very interesting and diverse life. It took him to many states and countries and introduced him to many, many different people. He always treated everyone, from the down and out person on the street to the fortunate, with dignity and respect. He said many times that he had learned more in a life from a wino on the street than from his teachers in school. He held many different jobs in his lifetime. From being a carnival worker and off-shore fisherman to working for Boeing and RC Cola and being a floral designer at the flower shop in the old Muehlebach Hotel in Downtown Kansas City. His last job was caring for the animals at the Clinton Animal Shelter. He loved all the animals very much and treated them with great compassion. He loved fishing, camping, drawing, writing and reading. He had written over 200 poems in his life. He also spoke fluent Spanish and was studying Hebrew. He even taught Spanish at one time. Music was one of the things in life that gave him the most enjoyment. He loved to sing and had a great voice. He listened to every kind of music from Classical and Bluegrass to Classic Rock and Roll and the new Metal groups. There weren't many songs he would hear, that he couldn't identify the artist. James was also a die-hard Kansas City Royals' fan to the end. James is survived by his wife, Heidi Crabtree, Deepwater, MO. Former wife, Mary Mefford, Henley, MO whom he always remained very close friends with and their 2 children, Amy Mefford-Bunn, Anderson, MO and Joshua Crabtree, Carrollton, GA. 5 grandchildren, Kaylynn, Mia, Starr, Clayton and Evan. As well as his aunt, June Anzalone and her sons, Scott and Alan. He also leaves behind sisters Cindy Brock, Donna Cavin and Carol Long and brothers Charles Bailey, Michael Robinette, Kevin Bledsoe and Rick Bledsoe and wife Gloria. As well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Family was very important to James and he frequently tried reaching out to them to keep in touch and reminisce. His dog, Henry also lost an awesome owner and already misses him. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard Bailey and Kenneth Robinette and sister Tammy Dugan. He also lost his twin brother, John Crabtree and son, Caleb Crabtree. These were all losses he never recovered from and impacted the rest of his life greatly. James will be greatly missed by many and never, ever forgotten by the fortunate few that truly go to know the real man. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.