James Crane

James C. Crane strongly believed music was a bridge to communicating peace and joy to others. As a dedicated musician, Jim performed, without compensation, for numerous audiences in assisted care facilities and nursing homes throughout the Bellingham, Washington area. Deeply appreciated for his enthusiasm, quick wit, and connection with audiences, he was skilled at encouraging elders to move to the music and sing with gusto. Jim was a man of many talents and played the ukulele, guitar, keyboard, Dulcimer, harmonica, and bass viol. On most days, Jim practiced his craft by playing every cover song written by his country music hero Guy Clark. For 50 years, he honed his playing skills and composed a wide range of music and poetry that mirrored his sly humor and witty observations. During his professional career, Jim was an educator for King County, a Clinical Psychotherapist, an office manager for a Bellingham medical practice, and Administrator for the Office of Public Defense (King County). For several decades, Jim was a hardcore cycler and energetic hiker. There were many times when he cycled 120 miles at a stretch throughout the Northwest’s mountains and forests. Always looking for adventure, Jim even biked throughout France exploring new places and storing memories in his trusty camera. Jim, an avid sailor, owned a cherished vintage 35’ Baba sailboat. Before his death, he donated the craft to an organization whose mission is to provide boats to the people of Haiti for the purpose of learning skills and creating jobs. For many years, Jim was a member of the Squalicum Yacht Club, Bellingham, WA, a past commander of the Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron, and a member of the Bellingham Ukulele Group. Jim held strong beliefs that equal justice, racial equality, and compassion are the hallmarks of a great society; he was an avid supporter of the ACLU and a vocal advocate for women’s and human rights. He leaves behind his partner, Christine Haberkorn Ph.D., Children: Joel Brewster Crane (Susan) of Elwood in Victoria, Australia, Alexis Crane of Seoul, South Korea, and Elizabeth Johnson (Dirk) of Covington, WA. He loved his grandchildren, Desmond and Quinn, and his beloved rescue cat, Tanya. His motto was, “Don’t forget to pick and grin.” Jim will be missed.