James L. Crider

James L. Crider, 95, of Topeka, passed away on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at a Topeka hospital ER. He was born on February 27, 1915, in Bradford, TN, the son of Reverend and Mrs. C. LeRoy Crider. He was an Army Air Corps veteran of WWII, where he served in the India-Burma and China Theater.

James was employed in 1951 with Hardware Mutual and Hardware Indemnity Co. and later served as a field representative with Kansas Mutual Insurance Company for 12 ½ years. He then was employed by Mutual Protective Insurance Company of Omaha where he appointed agents in the states of Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. He was employed by Ed Marlings for 5 years before his retirement.

James was a charter member of Gage Park Baptist Church where he served as head usher for many years and was on the Board of Deacons. He later became a member of Topeka Bible Church where he also served as an usher and on the Board of Deacons. He was a member and former president of the 1752 Field Men's Insurance Club and an associate member of the Native Sons and Daughters Organization of Kansas.

James married Miriam Jean Schwalm on May 25, 1943 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include his brother-in-law; Bill Schwalm of Alma, sister-in-law; Patricia Larsen of Spring Hill and several nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place.

Graveside inurnment services will take place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 15, 2010 in Mount Hope Cemetery. A memorial celebration will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 22, 2010 in the Xenos Room at Topeka Bible Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Topeka Bible Church, 1135 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66604 or to Jews For Jesus, 60 Haight St., San Francisco, CA 94102. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.