James Craig

James D. Craig, 82, of Maple Rapids, MI, passed away Thursday, November 28, 2019, after a long and courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his family at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church, Maple Rapids, MI, on Monday, December 2, 2019, at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Jerry Kissling officiating.  Burial will take place at Payne Cemetery, Fulton Township, MI.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2019, from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.

James was born in Gratiot County, MI on May 31, 1937, the son of Vern and Reba (Underwood) Craig.  On August 31, 1957 he married Shirley Conklin in Maple Rapids, MI.

Jim graduated from Fulton High School with the class of 1955 and was a avid MSU fan graduating from there in 1961 with a bachelors degree. Jim retired from Federal Mogul in 1996 after 30 years of service, and he ran a tile machine business at the same time.  Jim enjoyed hunting, gardening, and raising Angus Cattle. His children and grandchildren were very important to him.  Jim and Shirley enjoyed traveling to Florida to their winter home every year. Jim attended church in Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church and Somoset First Baptist Church in Florida.  He was also a member of the Carson City Masonic Lodge #306.

He is survived by his wife Shirley Craig; 4 children: son Daniel Craig of Carson City, MI; daughter Teresa Moon and Robert Avey of Middleton, MI; son Brian and Vera Craig of Oklahoma; son Jeffery and Barbara Craig of Perrinton, MI; 5 grandchildren: Amber and Josh Eberhart, Tyler Craig, Jesse Moon, James Moon, Cole Craig; 1 great grandchild Benjamin Eberhart; and his sister Carol Barton.  He was predeceased by his parents, 4 brothers: Clare, Gene, Jack and Gaylord; and 2 sisters: Dorothy and Joyce.

Memorials may be made to Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church, 410 South Maple Ave., Maple Rapids, MI 48853 or Samoset First Baptist Church, 3200 15th Street East, Bradenton FL 34208.  Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.