Jim Crampton

Jim was born on September 23, 1952 in Gainesville Florida to James and Mary Lu Crampton. The family moved to New Orleans and then to Omaha in 1958. As a child Jim was clever, headstrong, and independent, always on his bike finding new adventures. He played baseball and soccer but mostly he was a swimmer. Jim attended St. Pius X grade school, Creighton Prep, Creighton University, and The Creighton School of Law. When he graduated from High School he said he just wanted to make the world a better place. 

At the age of 19, Jim, ever adventurous, broke his neck in a trampoline accident resulting in quadriplegia. His life in a wheelchair did not slow him down, but it did give him a view of what it was like to be different. He could not stand to see someone alone, left out, or suffering. He would open his heart and home to anyone he could help. 

In 1978 Jim married Cyd and they raised a son, Kelley. He was a family man, beloved by his siblings and in-laws, as ready to solve your problems as he was ready for a good laugh. He was a dedicated husband and father, he coached little league, went camping, and made sure his son had the same kind of adventures he had.  

He began his law practice in 1981 and dedicated his career to fighting for the rights of the underserved, he especially enjoyed working in family law securing safe lives for children, the elderly, and the mentally ill. He won the Robert M. Spire Award in 1989 for outstanding commitment to pro bono service for the poor.  

Jim loved music and you would often find him supporting local musicians with technical help, providing instruments, making connections, and giving sound advice. 

Jim died on the Ides of March 2024, he lived more than 30 years longer than expected for a quadriplegic. And he lived every one of those days to its fullest. He would ask you to remember him by opening your heart to someone, giving a warm meal, making music, making time for a child, just giving what you can to make the world a better place.

 Preceded in death by his parents James and Mary Lu Crampton, Sister JoAnn McAllister, & Brother Patrick Crampton. He is survived by his wife Cyd, son James Kelley, brother Bill (Ann) Crampton, sisters Kate (Dave) Houck, Beth (Jeff) Coffman and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

 Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 10:30am at St. Cecilia Cathedral.   

Memorial Visitation  with the family starts Friday, March 22, 2024, after 5:00pm, at the 72^nd Street Chapel, with a Wake service at 7:00pm.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for later donation.