J. Craig De Graff

South Jordan, UTJ. Craig De Graff passed away on January 21, 2021, following a brief but determined battle against cancer and from complications of COVID 19.

Craig was born in Provo, Utah on October 18, 1946 to Jay W. and Clara Christine Jensen De Graff. Owing to his father's occupation, he and his 3 sisters were raised in parts of Utah, Montana and Oregon. His high school years were spent in Hyrum, Utah at South Cache High School.

Craig was a devoted and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ was evident to anyone who ever met him. Like his father before him, he served in the Central States Mission. His mission was a high point in his life and a stepping stone for many years of church service to come.

After returning home from his mission, he completed his studies at Brigham Young University where he received a bachelor's degree in Economics. On September 10, 1969, Craig was sealed for time and all eternity to his sweetheart, Patricia Noble. Together they raised 5 wonderful, accomplished and devoted children.

Craig had an entrepreneurial spirit, which led to a life of adventure! Early in his marriage, he and his young family lived in Farmington, New Mexico, helping his parents in a philanthropic endeavor with indigenous people there. He worked for Mountain Bell in Cedar City, Utah (cultivating a life-long dislike for talking on the phone!). During his time in Cedar City, he attended Officer Candidate School at Camp Williams, receiving the Adjutant General's Saber Award as the Outstanding Candidate in his class. His service in the Army National Guard took him and his family to Falls Church, Virginia, where he worked at the National Guard Computer Center. He was awarded an Army Commendation Medal for his work. His time in this position also helped cultivate his love of technology and the power of computing that would become a focal point of his professional pursuits.

In 1976, Craig and his growing family moved to Kearns, Utah, where he served as Bishop of the Kearns 26th Ward. It was also during this time of his life that his passion for flying was realized. He spent many hours flying his Bellanca Viking and remained an enthusiast of aviation for the rest of his life. In 1983, he, Patricia and their children moved to South Jordan, Utah, which would remain their forever home. He also began his work for Northwest Pipeline/Williams as a telecommunications manager for 3 natural gas pipelines in the Western United States. He was well renowned for the work he did and kept the pipeline running at full capacity.

Though his service to the Lord lasted a lifetime, his retirement from Northwest in 2001 allowed him to pursue his true passion of family history and temple work in earnest. He began working at the Jordan River Temple where he served as a Veil Worker, Ordinance Worker, Assistant Recorder and Sealer. Over the years, Craig served in many church callings. In addition to his calling as a Bishop, he also served as Young Men President, High Councilor, Stake Mission President, Stake Assistant Clerk/Technology Expert, and taught a Gospel Doctrine class in every ward he lived in after his mission. He loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was the cornerstone of his life and influenced every decision he ever made.

He is survived by his beautiful wife of 52 years, Patricia, children Stephanie, Brooke, Adam (Lisa), Steven (Ashley), and Marc (Diana), 11 adoring grandchildren and three sisters.

Craig was preceded in death by his beloved parents Jay and Clara De Graff, his sister Janet and a too-soon departed grandson, Beck. We trust the reunion has been joyful and look forward to the day that eternal covenants will transcend this mortal separation and reunite us all.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, a private family service (invitation only) will be held on Friday, January 29, 2021 at 11:00am. The service will be broadcast via an online streaming service provided by Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary at http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/southjordanutahcountryparkstake and will also be available online afterward.

We extend our gratitude to the devoted nurses and doctors at Huntsman Cancer Institute and Intermountain Healthcare who treated both his cancer and COVID 19 this year. Their relentless, compassionate service to him and our family will be remembered as a hallmark of dedication in a turbulent year.

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Published by Deseret News from Jan. 26 to Jan. 27, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for J. De Graff

Sponsored by Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center - South Jordan.

11 Entries

Janet Walton

January 29, 2021

Dear Pat
It’s been several years since I’ve seen you but I just wanted to give you my sympathy at Craigs passing. I so enjoyed serving with you in the South Jordan Stake Relief Society Presidency. I pray the Lord will bless you with the strength and peace you need at this time.

Henk Dorenbosch

January 27, 2021

Dear Patricia, Judy and I were shocked to read the obituary of Craig today, we had no idea that he had been ill. I was looking forward to have some great conversations, like we had over the years as we worked together in the temple. He will truly be missed by many. We offer our condolences to you and your family and pray that the Lord's peace will sustain you in the days ahead.

Grant Short

January 27, 2021

I served in the Central States Mission with Elder De Graff. He was one of the nicest people one could ever hope to work with. He'll be missed.

Elder Rasmussen

January 27, 2021

I too served in the Central States Mission and crossed paths with Elder De Graff on many occasions at conferences, on splits and just working in the same areas. We had several extraordinary experiences together which are personal and I'm sure can be read about in his journal.

I chanced across this obituary and had to express my condolences to his family and want to reconfirm to you what a great man he is.

North Jean

January 27, 2021

My dearest friend Patricia,
What do you say about a amazing man as Graig. I met Graig over 10 years ago, when I was called as a assistant coordinator in the Jordan River temple. He taught me so much he always made me feel loved and accepted. He was a great teacher. He has always been there for me when I needed a shoulder to cry on or council. I loved his hand shacks, they always felt like a hugs. My heart hurts for you, Patricia and for your family. But I am so grateful for my knowledge of the plan of salvation. I know that you will be with Graig again, he loves you so very much. He will always be by your side watching over you and your family. He will be greatly missed.
Love Jean.

Lyle Shamo

January 27, 2021

We would like to extend our condolences to the family of our friend, co-worker, and all around great man—Craig De Graff. It was such a privilege to rub shoulders with this spiritual giant at the Jordan River Temple. To know Brother DeGraff is to love him. He will forever leave a hole in our temple community. May God bless Patricia and the family.

Lyle and Tracy Shamo

BRENT OVERSON

January 27, 2021

I first met Craig in 1982 and we were instant friends. We served together in the Jordan River Temple and I enjoyed sealing sessions when he became a Sealer. Whenever I saw him, one of us would say, "Hello Cousin". Several years ago as I was doing some family history research I noticed Craig's name as a contributor to one of my Danish ancestors. Turns out we were both related to this person. So Craig and I always remembered this encounter by greeting each other as Cousin. I am deeply saddened that this virus thing has hindered my seeing Craig in person. All my love and condolences to Craig's wife and family.

Margo Erickson

January 26, 2021

Dearest Pat,
If only I had know that would be the last time I saw Craig, I would have paused a little longer and held that tender hand clasp a little tighter. There has never been a time in his presence or your's that I haven't felt loved and cherished. Both of you have such a beautiful gift of making everyone feel so loved. The love you have for each other is so evident. Be it a glance, a wink, a hug, or sweet conversation, all could see that you adore each other. Thank you for that beautiful example. May you be blessed with comfort and peace at this very difficult time. Please know of my love until I can hold you in person.

Margo Erickson

January 26, 2021

Dearest Pat,
If only I had known that would be the last time I saw Craig, I would have paused a little longer and held that tender hand clasp a little tighter. There was never a time in his or your presence that I haven't felt loved and cherished. The love between the two of you was so evident. In a glance, a wink, holding hands, or sweet conversation, everyone knew you adored each other. Everyone's life has been better for knowing you and having you both in this world. Thank you for sharing that great love with all of us. May you be blessed with peace and comfort through this very difficult time. Sending all my love and sympathy.

Violet Loertscher

January 26, 2021

So sorry to hear of his passing. I so enjoyed my association with him and Sister DeGraff.

Reed Nelson

January 26, 2021

Pat and Stephanie. I'm thinking about how much I care about you and your family! I have such fond memories of the times we spent together, in some challenging times for your family - moving back to the old house, your little grandson passing away. Tough times, but cherished memories for me that even now makes me feel so close to you. Now another difficult challenge. Craig was always so kind and supportive towards me. He built me I'm and I'll always remember that. I love you and know that my thoughts and heart are with you.

Reed

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