Nebraska horseman James Ernest "Jim" Cranwell, who bred, owned, and raced multiple stakes winner Burning Memories, died June 11 at age 86.
The following is an obituary prepared by his family
James Ernest "Jim" Cranwell, 86, of St. Paul, Neb., away peacefully at his home on June 11.
Services will be held June 17, at 10:30 a.m. at Peters Funeral Home in St. Paul, with Pastor John Doolittle officiating. Burial will be in the Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul. Visitation will be June 16, at Peters Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation to the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America Fund and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.
Jim was born on April 24, 1939, in Sterling, Colo., to Clyde and Inez (Colson) Cranwell. Raised on the Colorado-Nebraska state line near Lamar, he developed a deep love of horses and farming from a young age. One of his earliest companions was a spirited Shetland pony named Trinky, sparking a lifelong passion for horses and horsemanship.
Jim attended school in Amherst and later graduated from Holyoke High School, where he excelled in athletics, earning ten letters and state honors in football and track. His love for sports and horses continued into his adult life.
After working several jobs—including farming, construction, and in a sugar beet plan—he returned to college and earned a degree in Animal Science from Colorado State University. He later pursued graduate studies under renowned professors and veterinarians, contributing to advancements in equine reproduction.
He married the love of his life, Deanna May Sisk, on Nov. 27, 1960. Together they raised three children—Clyde, Sandy, and Shauna—and built a life centered around family, hard work, and a shared passion for horses.
In 1979, Jim and his father began taking their horses to the racetrack, starting in Lincoln, Neb. Their very first entry won, igniting a passion for the sport that would define the next 35 years of his life. Over the years, Jim developed a strong presence on the Nebraska circuit—including Columbus and Fonner Park—and expanded his reach to tracks across the country. He sent horses to Prairie Meadows, Parx Racing, Turf Paradise, and Canterbury Park. He also competed on the Chicago-area circuit and many other tracks throughout the Midwest and beyond. With Deanna by his side, he built a successful training and breeding operation near St. Paul, Neb., raising several stakes-winning horses and amassing over 500 career wins as a trainer. He was known not just for his success on the track, but for the deep knowledge, dedication, and respect he brought to the horse racing community.
He is survived by his wife, Deanna Cranwell; his children, Dr. Clyde Cranwell, Sandy and Keith Boone, and Shauna and Jeff Christensen; eight grandchildren, Temple James Boone (Alexandrea), Tayler Boone (Andrea), Amanda Cranwell, Emily Meyers (Noah), Megan Cranwell, Haley Cranwell (Dakoda), Kaycee Cranwell, and Valerie Christensen; four great-grandsons, Temple Jackson Boone, William Boone, Grayson Boone, and Harrison Boone, with another great-grandson, Daniel Christian Boone, expected later this year; and his sisters, Jacque and Loren Patterson, Bonita Jean Rettele, and Connie and Loren Rettele.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Inez Cranwell, and his daughter-in-law, Kristi Cranwell.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
