Obituary of James F. Craig

James Craig, 58, of Niles, passed away at his home on Monday, August 25, 2014, unexpectedly, but of natural causes. He was born on September 1, 1955 to the late George and Elizabeth (Pflum) Craig in Harford, Maryland at the Aberdeen Military Base. After graduating from Clay High School in South Bend, IN, James went on to attend Knox College in Galesburg, IL, where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Political Science. He received his master's degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. On June 8, 1985 James wed his one true love, Roberta Peterek Craig (who survives) at a ceremony in Sawyer, Michigan. They just recently celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary. James and Roberta have four wonderful children, Lindsay Craig of Raleigh, North Carolina, Dustan Craig of Tiffin, Ohio, Maureen Craig of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Sean Craig of Niles who all survive. For those of you who know James, you know that he loved his family and was so proud of each and everyone of them. His face would light up every time they were brought up in conversation. James was a very dedicated and loving family man and always the biggest supporter of any team/organization that his family was a part of, never missing a game or event. James' passion for the community was evident in his coaching career. He coached many young men and women in football, wrestling, basketball and golf, and was known to all as "Coach Craig". He truly loved the time he spent around the youth of Niles and will be greatly missed on and off the field. James was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Niles, Niles Elks Lodge, Niles-Buchanan YMCA Board, and many other organizations. Outside of coaching, his hobbies consisted of golfing with friends, poker nights with the guys, many vacations with family and friends, attending Notre Dame sporting events, and umpiring baseball with his sons. Professionally, James had a successful teaching and administrative career. His career spanned several school districts including Hammond, Schoolcraft, Buchanan, Edwardsburg, and Niles Community Schools. He retired from Niles as Curriculum Director (Assistant Superintendent) in the fall of 2009. Following retirement, James worked for the State of Michigan as a School Improvement Monitor until partnering in the opening of MCM Discount Store(s) in Niles and Elkhart. His leadership and knowledge of education helped mold the minds of many teachers and administrators that had the privilege of working with him. James is also survived by his two sisters, Patricia Craig (Patrick Maguire, brother-in-law) of Chicago, Illinois and Sarah Craig of Niles; his father and mother-in-law Robert and Patricia Peterek of Niles; his brother-in-laws, Mike Peterek of Edwardsburg and Jeff Peterek of Niles; Niece Maddy Peterek and nephews Mitchell and Tyler Peterek, as well as many cousins, aunts and uncles. He is preceded in death by his parents, George B. Craig Jr. and Elizabeth A. (Pflum) Craig and his sister Mary Craig all of South Bend, IN. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Funeral services will be Monday, September 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home (doors opening at 10:00 a.m.). A noon luncheon will take place at The Elks Lodge in Niles open to all friends and family. A private interment will be held by the family at Notre Dame's Cedar Grove Cemetery in South Bend, IN following the luncheon. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial contributions be made to the James Craig Memorial Scholarship at any Honor Credit Union branch, so the family can continue his passion for education. Envelopes will be available at Brown Funeral Home.