John "Jack" Craig

It is hard to read all of these notes without crying big, salty tears. I loved my Uncle Jack. He was an optimist for the ages with endless happy energy. I picture him showing up on Christmas eve with arms full of treats (including ginger ale), giving hugs all around, and rubbing his hands together, as if to say, we are having some fun now. He was a happy, loving presence in my childhood and in the lives of my kids. I feel lucky to have been loved by him. I am also deeply grateful to Jack for...

Jack always wowed me with his selflessness and relentless optimism, always somehow seeing the best in people and giving full appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. He was also remarkably sharp up until the end... his body may have faded but his mind did not. I have equally fond memories of throwing a softball around with him as a child as well as discussing world traveling with him as an adult. Rest easy, Jack - you’ll be missed!

For myself personally and on behalf of the entire staff of the Novato Library, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family. Jack was a well-loved regular patron of the library and we were all so very sorry to hear of his death and will miss his charming presence. With the pandemic having upended all our normal routines it pains me that we will not have the opportunity to shout "Welcome back, Jack!" when the day comes that we reopen to the public. But Jack was also a fellow...

We're so sorry to hear about Jack! He was a regular at the Novato Library and was always so kind and friendly to each and every one of us, asking our names and how we were doing on that particular day. He was a big computer user, always signing up for time to watch sports and email his daughter. To the family: we're so very sorry for your loss. Jack was a good man.

Jack, your kindness and generosity were treasured by all who knew you. You served as a model for how to be a good person, caring about the well-being of those around you and sharing what you had with them.

Your encyclopedic knowledge of professional baseball and football teams and their player’s histories reflected your high intellect and avid interest in sports.

Rest easy Jack, you did well.

As I sit down to write about my Great Uncle Jack (my maternal Grandma’s brother), it’s only fitting that I crack open a Ginger Ale as I share some memories with you-so bear with me (Ginger Ale was one of his favorite soft drinks to bring to family functions throughout the years). Uncle Jack was one of my biggest cheerleaders when I was a kid playing sports. Whether it be basketball or baseball, you could always count on Uncle Jack supporting me. He would always call and request a game...

Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this time.

Jack was a nearby neighbor in Novato for 19 years. He was always kind and gracious to all his neighbors. I appreciated his politeness because I knew he was sincere in all his actions. My favorite memory was answering a knock at my door soon after moving in only to find Jack standing there in a wet downpour letting me know I left my car lights on. I was honestly taken back by this kind effort on his part to "take care of his neighbor". We all watched Jack take care of his neighbor...

Jack was the most upbeat and resilient person I ever knew. He always had a smile on his face, and a positive attitude no matter what was going on around him. He saw adversity as something to quietly deal with while he went about his life--never complaining and putting one foot in front of the other. No impediment stopped him.
Even at 90, his mind was completely sharp and filled with statistics, whether baseball stats or the population of NYC. His religious faith ran deep and...