Retiree James Buford Crager dies at 83

Morehead State Retiree James Buford Crager (Class of 1961, 1975) of Georgetown, Kentucky, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, at 83.

After graduating from Prestonsburg High, he attended Morehead State College, where he was captain of the football team and was elected President of the Student Government. Crager was captain of the football team from 1956 to 1961 and holds the school record for the longest kick return. After graduating, he taught and coached at Fairmont High School in Kettering, Ohio.

Crager returned to Morehead State in 1967 as Dean of Students. In 1976, he was promoted to vice president for student affairs and began teaching in the former Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Survivors include his wife Jenny, brother Bobby (Judy Hicks) Crager of Flatwoods, sister Brenda (BJ) Helton and Jack Davis of Louisville; a 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.

Crager was a lifelong member of the Morehead United Methodist Church and served many years as part of the Democratic Party of Morehead and Rowan County.

Memorial donations may be made 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.