James Morris "J.M." Crighton, of Willard, MO, passed away in his home on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the age of 95.  J.M. was born May 5, 1929, in Springfield, MO, to Maurice and Doris(Haun) Crighton.  J.M. and Nancy Collup were united in marriage on August 11, 1949, recently celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary.

J.M. and family have continued to operate their Century Farm(1867).  In 1961, he became the postmaster of Willard.   J.M. also served as postmaster in Marshfield and Lebanon until his retirement in 1993.  J.M.'s love for the Willard area never wavered and was responsible for developing several subdivisions.

Attending state and national postmaster conventions with Nancy was always one of his favorite things.  They also enjoyed attending their grandchildren's sporting events.  He was active in several civic organizations such as Masonic Lodge, Shriners, Elks, founding member of Willard Lion's Club and the Willard Children's Charitable Foundation.  J.M. was a National American Farmer and the oldest former Missouri State FFA officer at the time of his death.

In addition to his wife, Nancy of 75 years, J.M. is survived by his four children, Jim(Marilyn), Ron(Mary), Andy(Nita), and Anne(Roger) Ziehm; ten grandchildren, Candy(Chuck) Dake, Kara(Troy) Smith, Amy(John) Sims, Todd Crighton,  Brad(Courtney) Crighton, Katy(Ryan) O'Malley, Meg(Dave) Thompson, Stephen(Annie) Crighton, Joshua (Alyssa) Ziehm and Matt(Lauren) Ziehm;  Seventeen great grandchildren, Laynie(Payton), Carson(Audrey), Madison(Cameron), Montana, Jada, Josie(Blake), Ella, Lillian, Taylor, Logan, Jack, Luke, Allie, Finn, Rory, Kent, and Isabel; two great-great grandchildren, Heidi and Frankie, and many other family and friends.

The family would like to thank caregivers, Teresa Harp, Diana Worthey, Terri Hughes, for their love and care and for the care given by St. Croix Hospice.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 5, 2024, 4:00-6:00 p.m. and service, Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.  Visitation and service is at Willard Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church, 800 State Highway AB, Willard, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to WCCF (Willard Children's Charitable Foundation) in honor  J.M. Crighton and mailed to Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Ash Grove, MO  65604 or leave at visitation/service.