Jonathan "Jay" Richard Crane

Weslaco-

Jonathon R. Crane, born on May 25, 1949 in Washington D.C. to parents Alice & Harold Crane, passed away at John Knox Village in Weslaco, TX on September 6, 2024 at 75 yrs old. 

 Jay grew up attending local schools in Falls Church, Virginia. Jay was an active member of both the Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts, and also played football, baseball, and hockey. In the same year that Jay graduated from Jeb Stuart High School, he joined the Northern Virginia Association of Umpires and continued participating for many years. 

Jay went on to attend Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, VA, majoring in Animal Science. He was a member of several meat judging teams, traveling to various states to compete. His parents were always pleasantly surprised at his career path, and his mother often fondly introduced him as, “my Son, the farmer.” 

Jay and Betty were married the summer after he graduated from Virginia Tech, on July, 24, 1971. They settled in Luray, VA and built their first home. 

Jay went on to work as a 4-H agricultural agent for the Virginia Cooperative Extension services. After about a year, Jay and Betty moved to Richmond, VA. There, Jay worked for the State Department of Agriculture for many years. He was always very generous and mindful of all who worked alongside him. A true testament to Jay’s character, he would sometimes even take pay cuts that were meant for others. 

In 2001, Jay retired and began motor-home traveling all over the country with Betty for many, many years. They visited all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico. Their travels brought them many new friends and experiences like Hot Air Fiesta in New Mexico, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, and even working at Stagecoach once. Jay was also an excellent cook, which came in handy when he and Betty would work-camp.

Betty and Jay retired from their travels in 2017 and moved to John Knox Village, which was ultimately the best decision for both of them. The community at John Knox was always very gracious and kind with the Cranes. 

Jay is survived by his wife, Betty, of 53 ½ yrs; his brothers, Allan (Mary) of Maine & Dave (Karen) of Florida; his brother-in-law, Ray Unger (Debbie) of Arizona; nieces, Staci Unger, Sarah Furrier, Rachel Unger, Shawna Unger, Ryann Hamilton, Robyn Crane, Wendy Crane; nephews, Ian Crane & Daniel Crane, as well as many more family members. 

Jay will be remembered for being caring, smart, genuine, and patriotic, just to name a few things. He was a man with many hats; a great cook, a golfer, a woodworker, and most importantly, a man of great faith. Jay was always a devoted Christian. 

May Jay R. Crane’s lust for life and his spirit live on in the hearts of all he knew.