James Rodney Craig was born Aug. 26, 1947, in Seward to Gordon Calvin and Helen Marie (Bock) Craig and passed away unexpectedly Nov. 25, 2020, in Lincoln at the age of 73 years, 2 months and 30 days.
Jim grew up in Seward where he attended and graduated from Seward High School with the Class of 1966. He worked at several places until he began his job at Lincoln Steel in 1970 and continued until his retirement in 2001. On Jan. 23, 1971, Jim was united in marriage to Janet Lauree Nichols in Seward and to this union, three children were born, Rodney, Jeremy and Kimberly. The couple lived in Beaver Crossing most of their married life until the tornado on Mother’s Day 2014. Jim then moved and made Seward his home. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, crocheting, cooking, baking, playing solitaire and watching old westerns. Jim loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of the Beaver Crossing Odd Fellows and Church of Christ in Seward.
He was preceded in death by parents; wife, Janet in 2007; son, Rodney in 2008; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Melody Craig; nephew, Elijah Rundell; and parents-in-law, Ervin and Zelma Nichols.
Jim is survived by his son, Jeremy and girlfriend Mandy Howry, Beaver Crossing; daughter, Kimberly and husband Shawn Hengelfelt, Lincoln; two granddaughters, Cheyenne Craig, Lincoln, and Sydney Craig, Crete; grandson, Dakota Guinn, Beaver Crossing; four siblings, Janet and husband Ligie Rundell, Pine Bluff, Wyoming, John and wife Sue Craig, Seward, Brian and wife Tami Craig, Seward, and Melissa Craig, Seward; brother-in-law, Jim and wife Sue Nichols, Beaver Crossing; three sisters-in-law, Jean and husband Chuck Eggleston, Beaver Crossing, Joanie and husband Robert Mclellan, Beaver Crossing, and Judy Schmersal, Seward; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
A funeral service was Dec. 2 at the Milford Mennonite Church with graveside services and interment at the Beaver Crossing Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Craig family for future considerations. Condolences may be left for the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
