Jim Crane

$2.46 B

Ranked #1640 in World

About Jim Crane

James Robert Crane, born on January 17, 1954, in Dellwood, Missouri, is a distinguished figure in the business and sports world. After graduating from Central Missouri State University in 1976, where he was an accomplished pitcher for the Mules baseball team, Crane forged a significant career in logistics and transportation, founding Eagle USA Airfreight in 1984. His business ventures expanded globally, leading him to oppose a major merger with CEVA Logistics in 2007 and later becoming the majority shareholder in Crane Worldwide Logistics LLC. Crane's influence extends to sports, notably purchasing the Houston Astros in 2011 for $680 million, steering the team to World Series victories in 2017 and 2022. Beyond his business and sports endeavors, Crane is known for his philanthropy, significantly contributing to the communities he is part of, including substantial donations to the Astros Foundation and Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Despite facing controversies, including an investigation into hiring practices and the Astros sign-stealing scandal, Crane's impact on business, sports, and philanthropy remains significant. Additionally, he has made notable contributions in other sectors, including starting safety and software companies, owning restaurants, and venturing into the wine industry.

Born

January 17, 1954

Age

72 years

Source Of Wealth

Logistics, Baseball

Industries

Sports

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Houston, Texas

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Central Missouri State University

Spouse

Sheri Crane, Theresa Crane (1981-1990),Franci Crane(1993-2015),Whitney Crane (2017-current)

James Robert Crane was born on January 17, 1954, in the north St. Louis suburb of Dellwood, Missouri. He attended Lutheran High School North and graduated in 1972. During his time at Lutheran High, Crane excelled in baseball and was a standout pitcher. He later donated $1 million to improve the school's athletic facilities and expand its campus size.

Crane went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial safety from Central Missouri State University (now the University of Central Missouri) in 1976. While at Central Missouri, he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and played baseball for the Central Missouri Mules, where he earned honorable mention Division II All-American honors.

Jim Crane: Family

James Crane is currently married to Whitney Wheeler, whom he wed in 2017. This is his third marriage. Crane has three children: James Robert Crane II, Jared, and Krystal Crane Thompson. He resides in Katy, Texas, with apartments in Moscow and Hong Kong.

Jim Crane: Career Highlights

After graduating from college, Crane ventured into the insurance business. In 1980, he relocated to Houston, Texas, where he founded Eagle USA Airfreight (later known as Eagle Global Logistics, then EGL, Inc.) in 1984 with a modest $10,000 loan. Under Crane's leadership, EGL grew into a successful logistics company. However, in 2007, EGL merged with UK-based CEVA Logistics, a move that Crane opposed.

Following the sale of his EGL shares, Crane established Crane Capital Group, an investment firm. He also became a director and shareholder in Western Gas Holdings, LLC. Crane Capital Group's investments include gas lines and freight shipping ports in Russia and China. Additionally, Crane is the majority shareholder in Crane Worldwide Logistics LLC and serves as the chairman of the board for CargoJet. He also holds director positions at Nabors Industries and Western Midstream.

Jim Crane: Companies

James Crane has been involved with several companies throughout his career.

Here are some notable ones:

Eagle USA Airfreight (later Eagle Global Logistics, then EGL, Inc.)
Crane Capital Group
Western Gas Holdings, LLC
Crane Worldwide Logistics LLC
CargoJet
Nabors Industries
Western Midstream
Osso and Kristalla
Potente
Crane Safety
Davaco
Modiant
Aperture Cellars
Papa John's (franchises in Russia)
Floridian National Golf Club

Jim Crane: Major Achievements

Crane's major achievements include:

Building Eagle USA Airfreight into a successful logistics company.
Purchasing the Houston Astros baseball team in 2011 and leading the team to three consecutive 100-win seasons (2017-2019) and two World Series victories (2017, 2022).
Opening several successful restaurants in Houston, including Osso and Kristalla, and Potente.
Starting Crane Safety, a commercial safety supply and training company.
Acquiring Davaco, a company managing high-volume remodels and technology deployments.
Starting software company Modiant to focus on digitizing freight and transportation management.
Becoming a partial owner of Aperture Cellars winery in Sonoma County and several Papa John's franchises in Russia.
Ranking as the nation's top CEO golfer.
Purchasing the Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, Florida.

Jim Crane: Awards & Achievements

Crane has received numerous awards and recognition for his accomplishments, including:

Two-time World Series champion as owner of the Houston Astros (2017, 2022).
Number-one CEO Golfer by Golf Digest (2006).
Inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (2017), Texas Business Hall of Fame (2018), and St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame (2021).
Received the ALF Public Service Award, Jack Buck Award, Conversation with a Living Legend, Houston Sports Award, and Ben Taub Humanitarian Award.

Jim Crane: Personal Life & Legacy

James Crane is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has made significant contributions to various causes, including education, sports, and disaster relief. Crane donated $1.2 million to upgrade the baseball stadium at Central Missouri State University, which was named after his coach, Robert Tompkins. He also expanded the Astros Foundation, growing its funds from $50,000 to $12 million.

Additionally, Crane committed $4 million to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts and took ownership of the Houston Open to keep it in Houston, operating under the Astros Golf Foundation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Crane donated $400,000 and provided COVID test swabs and PPE to support local hospitals. He also raised $2.6 million for the Astros Foundation and New Hope Housing. Crane serves on the fund advisory board for the Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund and hosted a drive to collect supplies for areas impacted by Hurricane Ida.

Jim Crane: Trivia

Crane is an avid golfer and has been ranked as the nation's top CEO golfer.
He purchased the Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, Florida, in 2019.
Crane has faced controversies related to hiring practices at Eagle Logistics and allegations of war profiteering, which resulted in settlements.
During the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, Crane was unaware of the violations and subsequently fired general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A. J. Hinch.

Wealth History

Timeline

January 17, 1954

James Robert Crane is born in north St. Louis suburb of Dellwood, Missouri.

1972

Graduates from Lutheran High School North.

1976

Earns a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial safety from Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri).

1980

Moves to Houston.

1984

Founds Eagle USA Airfreight (later Eagle Global Logistics, then EGL, Inc.) with a $10,000 loan.

2007

EGL merged with UK-based CEVA Logistics; Crane opposed the merger.

2008

Attempts to buy the Houston Astros, but unsuccessful.

2009

Attempts to buy the Chicago Cubs, but unsuccessful.

2010

Attempts to buy the Texas Rangers, but unsuccessful.

2011

Purchases the Houston Astros from Drayton McLane for a reported $680 million.

2017

Astros win the World Series for the first time in franchise history.

2018

Astros win their second consecutive World Series.

2019

Astros win their third consecutive 100-win season.

2022

Astros win their second World Series title under Crane's ownership.

Jim Crane : FAQs

What is Jim Crane's current net worth?

Jim Crane's current net worth is $2.46 billion.

What is Jim Crane's current global rank among billionaires?

Jim Crane holds the 1640th position globally among billionaires.

What is Jim Crane's current ranking within the United States?

Jim Crane holds the 565th position in United States.

What was the change in Jim Crane's net worth compared to the previous year?

Jim Crane's net worth increased by 84.59 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 2.37 billion dollars.

What are Jim Crane's main sources of wealth?

Jim Crane's main source of income comes from Logistics, Baseball.

In which industry does Jim Crane primarily operate?

Jim Crane is primarily involved in the Sports industry.

What is Jim Crane educational background?

Jim Crane holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Central Missouri State University.

How old is Jim Crane?

Jim Crane is 72 years old.

How many children does Jim Crane have?

Jim Crane has 3 children.

Who is James Robert Crane and what is his early background?

James Robert Crane, born on January 17, 1954, grew up in the north St. Louis suburb of Dellwood, Missouri. He graduated from Lutheran High School North in 1972 and furthered his education at Central Missouri State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial safety in 1976. Crane also made significant contributions to his high school by donating $1 million to improve its athletic facilities.

What significant milestones did James Robert Crane achieve in his career?

James Robert Crane founded Eagle USA Airfreight in 1984 with a $10,000 loan, which later merged to form EGL, Inc. Despite opposing the merger with CEVA Logistics in 2007, Crane continued his entrepreneurial journey by forming Crane Capital Group, investing in various sectors including gas lines and freight shipping ports in Russia and China. He also became the majority shareholder in Crane Worldwide Logistics LLC and took leadership roles in CargoJet, Nabors Industries, and Western Midstream.

How did James Robert Crane contribute to the success of the Houston Astros?

James Robert Crane purchased the Houston Astros in 2011 for $680 million and played a pivotal role in reviving the team. Under his ownership, the Astros achieved three consecutive 100-win seasons from 2017 to 2019, and won the World Series in 2017 and again in 2022, marking a significant turnaround for the team.

What controversies has James Robert Crane been involved in?

Crane faced several controversies including an EEOC investigation into hiring practices at Eagle Logistics and allegations of war profiteering. Additionally, the Houston Astros were involved in a sign-stealing scandal during his ownership, leading to the firing of the team's GM and manager, although Crane stated he was unaware of the violation.

What philanthropic efforts has James Robert Crane been involved in?

James Robert Crane has made substantial contributions to philanthropy, including a $1.2 million donation to upgrade CMSU's baseball stadium, a $4 million commitment to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, substantial donations to support local hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, and actively raising funds through the Astros Foundation, which grew from $50,000 to $12 million under his guidance. Additionally, he took ownership of the Houston Open to keep it in Houston and has been involved in various other charitable and relief efforts.