Just an update. My niece's father, Roger Hammer won the $1.5
million Hambletonian driving just the way dad would have wanted. He
would be very proud! Dad loved to see a horse come from behind down
the stretch.
See:
http://www.harnessracing.ws/Vivid-Photo-Wins-2005-Hambletonian.htm
dc2net@hotmail.com
Christopher Zazo (zazo<at>comcast.net)
Sunday, February 5, 2006, 03:23 PM
Please continue this wonderful tribute to your dad. I have it
bookmarked and visit the web page often. Please continue to update
it with new pictures. I worked for Jim Crane in 1979 and 1980 before
I went to college. While working for Jim Crane, he gave me the
opportunity to drive Jef’s Eternity in a matinee race. I eventually
owned Jordache during the middle of his three-year-old season. I
have great memories of having dinner with Gentleman Jim Crane many,
many times at his home in Aiken, SC. Jim Crane was a mentor and a
great friend to me. To this day, I still use and speak about many of
the things that he taught me. I really do miss him and, Lord
willing, I will see him again one day.
With great memories,
Christopher Zazo
Zazo@comcast.net
I love your family and all the photos! It reminds me so much of
my own that I feel as though I am a part of your family. I was truly
sorry to realize that Jim had passed on! He was a very special
person.
kem@gaolsen.com
I was a huge fan of Jim Crane when I was young. I remember the
thrills I got from watching Judge, Hobby Horse Lupe and others race
at
Hollywood Park.My sister Annette knew Him and was saddened to learn
of his passing.I will always remember the thrills I got from those
nights.By the way, Dana Lobell was my favorite horse of all time.
I remember many summer nights at Brandywine, sitting in the reserved seat section, watching those big windows raised towards the midddle of the evening after the sun went down. I recall seeing Green Kash win a few weeks in a row, blasting down the stretch to win....he was a great finisher. I recall Mr. Crane's guests sitting in the box seats just in front of where my Dad and I were. I recall seeing Nero, Royce.... all his great horses. Aching as I watched Judge jump....remember how Roy Shudt used to say "...here come da Judge..." Wonderful memories. He must have been a wonderful man. I am a great fan and sad to hear the news.
Oh, it makes me so sad to see that the last of the "Crane Boys"
is gone. They were the best looking men in Missouri and all big
teases and fun loving. It says a lot that even though I have not
seen Uncle Jim in over 35 years, I have such good memories of him
and my cousins. My dad, Rex, loved him dearly and always teased him
about being the baby and being the one Grandma Crane loved the best.
He would just laughingly agree. Dad was so proud of his racing and
had copies of the "Sports Illustrated" that featured his famous
horse. They truly were the last of "the greatest generation" of men,
as Tom Brokaw called our WWII generation.
My dear Jim Crane cousins, I know you miss him so much. My heart is
with you. You carry on his legacy. I am sure you've done him proud.
Love you all!!
Barb
Only in reading this guest book have I noticed the sad news. My
Uncle Jim was a great man. I've been watching his website for some
time and enjoyed seeing the many pictures. I only wish I could have
known him better. My father loved him very much. My prayers are with
all of you.
rexcrane@earthlink.net
I was fortunate enough to see some of the best performers in your stable in the 1970's..HTA,Tremor,Majestic Skipper,Valerian,and of course,Nero. So,in kind of a back-handed tribute to both Jim and Dennis, I modeled my colors after theirs. I try to get the Red-Gray&White to the winners circle at lest once a year!!Thanks for more memories than I can count..m.r.
Jim Crane was a man amoung men who stood tall and strong and
fought for what he believed in. He taught us kids integrity,
honesty, goodness, morals, and many other attributes im proud to
have been tought. But mostly he taught us what "LOVE" is....and we
always knew he loved us as we did and still do, love him.
God loves you daddy and so do we, your daughter Donna and son RL
sugarbabythang@comcast.net
He was the "Best Man I Ever Knew" and is in a much better place
now "Walking with the Lord"
I Love You Dad
admin@dc2net.com
We can't be there to grieve for you in body but we are there in
spirit. We are comforted by the knowledge that you're now in the
presence of our Saviour. Peace.
joe-tlc@comcast.net
To a nice guy who always had a smile and a pleasant story for his neighbors. May he rest in peace.