Photo courtesy of Bassett Funeral Service - Bassett
Bassett, Virginia
Jun 29, 1954 – Jul 22, 2025
Jesse Benjamin (Ben) Craig, 71, died July 22, 2025 after a short illness. Ben was born in Martinsville, Virginia on June 29, 1954 to the late Emmitt Hogue Craig, and Joyce Claypool Craig of Bassett, who survives him.
Ben graduated from John D. Bassett High School in 1972. After graduating from Shippensburg State College in 1976, he moved to Baltimore, Maryland and worked for the next forty-nine years for Smyth's Jewelers in Timonium, Maryland, except for the years when he was a partner in Craig-Coyne Jewelers in Ellicott City, Maryland.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by a brother, James "Jim" Craig (Jeannie) of Horsepasture, Virginia, one nephew and two nieces. Funeral services will be private.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bassettfuneralservice.com.
Bassett Funeral Service is honored to serve the Craig Family.
Joyce and Jim and family,
So very sorry about Ben. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Deneise Austin-Altizer
Deneise Altizer
August 05, 2025 | Christiansburg, VA | Friend
Jesse Benjamin Craig (I called him Jesse-Ben) was a most interesting and lovable first cousin [there were 10 of us]. All of us had strong connections to Bassett. Jesse-Ben’s life spanned a propitious time in our country, a time filled with rapidly changing-everything as we found it easy to widen our boundaries and challenge the world. Jesse Bed did exactly that! Although there were 11 years between us, we were close and enjoyed each other’s presence not only in Bassett but also in New...
DELLA WILLIAMS
July 31, 2025 | PELHAM, NC | Family
Prayers for the family
Richard Craig
July 30, 2025 | Ridgeway, VA | Family
Joyce & Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bobby & Alda Draper
July 30, 2025 | Martinsville, VA | Teacher
Jesse was a good friend and classmate of ours while in school at JDBHS. Always a friendly gesture when you'd meet him in the halls and at the ballgames. Time and location changes separated a large majority of our classmates after graduation so we didn't get to see one another after that but Jesse was one we'll all remember fondly. Condolences to his family and classmates.
Douglas M Saul
July 30, 2025 | Goldsboro, NC
Prayers to the family at this difficult time. May God be with you all.
Lisa David Frost
July 29, 2025 | VA | Friend
Ben was a classmate. I will always remember his kind, gentle, friendly personality and his quick, dry wit. Sincere sympathy to his mother and brother.
Clarke Beckner
July 29, 2025 | Martinsville, VA | Classmate
Prayers for the family during this difficult time
Ashley Lovell
July 29, 2025 | Bassett, VA | Friend
Sorry for his passing prayers for his family!?
Ronnie Harrell
July 29, 2025 | Martinsville, VA | Friend