James Robin Craig

James “Jim” Craig, 60, passed away in Jacksonville, Florida, April 30th, 2012, after a very successful 3 days of golf in the 23rd Annual Kingsley Classic Member Guest Golf Tournament. Jim, and his friend John Dulka, amassed 24 ½ points in 4 matches – by far the best for the tournament, and better than their previous 5 year’s attempts.

Jim was born April 25, 1952 in Cleveland Ohio as the oldest son of R. Lawrn Craig and Ruth Craig. Graduated from Nordonian High School in 1970 where he was the star quarterback. September 1971 Jim enlisted in the Air Force and rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Jim’s military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, AF Commendation Medal, AF Good Conduct Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters, and the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star. Jim was also awarded the General Robert J. Dixon Personnel Award and the AFA Medal of Merit and Exceptional Service Awards. In 1992 Jim retired from the Air Force and then held several financial analyst, program manager and consulting positions within the government (DFAS) and at EDS, CACI and lastly Northrop Grumman. Jim completed his Undergraduate and Masters of Public Administration, American University in 1997.

Jim and Bobbie Kelly were married September 5, 1986 and had a whirlwind 25 years together filled with family, friends and work. Theirs was a great love with lots of happy times. Jim was Bobbie’s “rock”. They owned a house in Florida and truly enjoyed their little vacations away from it all with lots of golf and beach time.

Jim especially loved his daughter Sarah and was so proud of her and her family. Sarah married the boy next door, Chad Mahoney, whom he respected and adored. He loved them all and treasured his grandchildren, Morgan and Jack Mahoney.

He became a full-fledged Kelly member and loved the extended family. He had special relationships with Mom and Dad Kelly (Carolyn and Jack), his brothers-in-law (Chip, Jimmy and Mark), his sisters-in-law (Cathy, Mary and Denise) and out-laws (Mike, Karen, Denyele, Chuck, Suzanne and Del) and numerous nieces and nephews. He extended to all his wonderful bear hugs.

Jim enjoyed NASCAR and was a huge Tony Stewart Fan (#14). He was an avid golfer with pockets of golfing buddies all around the country. He unwillingly succumbed to family pressure to become a Washington Redskins fan but it was always the Pittsburg Steelers that were his team.

Jim is survived by his wife Bobbie, his daughter Sarah and her husband Chad Mahoney, his grandchildren Morgan Mahoney and Jack Mahoney; two sisters, Debra (George) Seigman and Elaine; 2 brothers, Robert and Andrew (Lisa), and many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial reception is being held in Jim’s honor at the Country Club of Orange Park on May 19th from 3 – 6 pm in Jacksonville Florida (2525 Country Club Boulevard Orange Park FL 32073) and at Chantilly National Golf and Country Club, Thursday May 24, 2012 from 3 –6 pm. (Jim would have wanted a happy hour involved). Internment will be scheduled at a later date for Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Air Force Enlisted Widows Home where Jim proudly served on the Board of Directors. http://www.afev.us .

Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073. Please post tributes at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.