Father James was born on December 27, 1934 at his grandmother's home in Roy, OR. His parents were Justin A. and Helen C (Herb) Crunican. He was baptized on January 1, 1935 in Visitation Catholic Church and had attended the grade school for eight years and the high school for one. He graduated from Forest Grove High School Class of 1953. In 1954 he moved with his parents to Forest Grove, OR. Father James entered Mt Angel Seminary in 1954 and he graduated in 1959 with a BA in Philosophy and received his theology studies at St Thomas Seminary, Kenmore WA. 

     Father Crunican was ordained a priest on May 25, 1963. He served in these past Catholic communities throughout the years; St John the Fisher in Portland, OR in the summer of 1963, St Alice in Springfield, OR from 1963 to 1970, St Helen's in Junction City, OR in 1970, St Matthew's in Hillsboro, OR in the early 1970's then to St. Fredrick in St. Helens, OR and finally served at St. Michael's in Grande Ronde, OR and Good Shepard in Sheridan, OR until he was forced to retire due to an illness. 

    He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. He was an avid St Louis Baseball fan and enjoyed his nieces and nephews. 

    He is preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Diane Lux. 

     He is survived by his two sisters and their spouses: Elaine and Vernon Duyck of Verboort, OR, Linda and David Holmbo of Dallas, OR, and eleven nieces and nephews and many grand nieces and nephews.