James was the son of Walter Franklin and Beulah (Leonard) Cranford. He married Geraldine 'Geri' Alexander in 1949 and they were the parents of two daughters: Priscilla Joe and Sharon Kay.

Greensboro News & Record, NC
July 3, 2014

James Franklin Cranford, age 86, a resident of Thomasville, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born August 6, 1927 in Davidson County, NC to the late Walter Frank Cranford and Beulah Leonard Cranford. He was a graduate of Thomasville High School and attended Appalachian State University. James was a veteran of the US Army. He had owned and operated Cranford Firestone in Thomasville for thirty-five years and was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, playing golf and had a special love for animals. James had a strong love for God, his family, his country, and his political affiliation with the Republican Party.
In addition to his parents, preceding him in death were his wife of 64 years, Geraldine Alexander “Geri” Cranford; 2 sisters, Frances McMillan Gordon and Mary Brown Holmes and his brother, Sonny Cranford.
He is survived by his daughters, Priscilla Crutchfield and her husband Andy of Greensboro, Sharon Robbins and her husband Rodney of Thomasville; his grandchildren, Zachary Rickard, Jordan Rickard, James Alexander Robbins and his wife Katie, Jane Crutchfield, Brent Crutchfield, Alex Crutchfield and Carolyn Wasdell and her husband Eddie. Also surviving are his step great grandchildren, Shep and Hayes Wasdell.
A service to celebrate James’ life will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock at Holly Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum with Reverend Melvin Anderson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in James’ memory may be sent to the Humane Society of Davidson County, PO Box 1791, Lexington, NC 27293.