February 1, 1934 - January 18, 2026
James Franklin Craig, beloved husband, Daddy, and Papa was born into this world on a door at the old Craig Farm near Hamilton, Texas on February 1, 1934. His parents were Charlie Henry Craig and Ola Zelphy Eary Craig. James was the middle son of seven. His brothers, Charles, Robert, Tommy, and Wayne Craig preceded him in death. He is survived by brothers, Dean and Randel Craig of Hamilton.
James was drafted to the U. S. Army in May of 1956, serving in the First Cavalry Division in Korea as a Specialist 3rd class - Diesel Mechanic. He returned home to reserve service in 1960 and was honorably discharged on May 23,1962.
He married Jimmie Lea Ray in Hamilton on February 12, 1960. James and Jimmie had five sons. His sons Danny, Kenneth, and Jason Craig preceded him in death. James is survived by his oldest son, Mikel Craig and wife, Maria Cox Craig, of Crockett and their children: Elizabeth Craig Teer and her husband, Torey Teer of Dallas and Ethan Craig of Waco. James is also survived by his fourth son, Jerry Craig and wife, Valerie Riggs Craig and their children: Nathan Craig, Henry Craig, and Jessica Craig of Hamilton.
James held many varied positions during his working life including working in the family business - Craig Implement Company - selling Minneapolis Moline tractors, operating a cattle truck, teaching mechanics at the Mountain View State School for Boys, operating Craig Construction Company, and working as Support Services Grounds Supervisor at Waxahachie ISD. His side business of farming, however, remained his passion throughout life.
James was an active member of Providence Baptist Church. He left this world and stepped into heaven on January 18, 2026. James is also survived by a large extended family of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He loved them all.
A visitation will be held at Riley Funeral Home, located at 402 West Main, Hamilton, TX 76531, on January 21, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The funeral service will take place on the same day at Riley Funeral Home Inc., Chapel, 402 West Main, Hamilton, TX 76531, starting at 2:00 pm.
Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Hwy 281 N, Hamilton, TX 76531, on January 21, 2026.
