James Buford Crager of Georgetown, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2023.  Buford was born to Marrietta and James Woodrow Crager in Floyd County, Kentucky, on March 7, 1940.  After graduating from Prestonsburg High, he attended Morehead State College (1956-1961) where he was captain of the football team and was elected President of the Student Government.  In 1961, the two-time graduate, with his wife Jenny, left Morehead State to teach and coach at the high school level in Kettering, Ohio.

He returned to Morehead State in 1967 and he and Jenny made Morehead and Rowan County their home.  For more than three decades Buford served at Morehead State initially as Dean of Students, then as Vice President of Students, and he retired as a member of the faculty.

Buford was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Barbara, and grandson Kalvert.  He is survived by his loving wife Jenny, brother Bobby/Judy (Hicks) Crager of Flatwoods, sister Brenda (BJ) Helton/Jack Davis of Louisville.  He is also survived by his self-termed "legacies" son Kyle/Kim (Calvert) Crager of Georgetown, son Dr. James "Kip"/Jennifer (Swartz) Crager of Lexington, and grandchildren Ky/Kelly/Fiona Crager, Kellen/Heather Crager, Kwyncee Crager, Colten Crager, Holynn Crager, and Cade Crager.

Love of family, faith, and community were the hallmarks of Buford's life.  He enjoyed discussing world events/politics, health, faith and football.  He was a life-long member of the Morehead United Methodist Church and served for many years as part of the Democratic Party of Morehead and Rowan County.

Burial will be at Lee Cemetery in Morehead on Sunday, October 15, 2023.  The immediate family graveside service will be officiated by close family friend Reverend Drew McNeill.  The family has requested that any donations go to the James Buford Crager Scholarship Fund at Morehead State University in care of the Morehead State Foundation, 121 E. Second Street, Suite 107, Morehead, KY 40351.

Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead is caring for arrangements.  Sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com