John Craddock

1922 - 2022

John Walton Craddock
1922-2022
John "Jack" Walton Craddock died peacefully at home in Houston, Texas on Sunday morning, March 20, 2022, at the age of 99 ½ after a short illness relating to mesothelioma. Proud of his longevity and good health, Jack was still driving his car and exercising with his trainer at the Memorial Athletic Club until shortly before his death.
The youngest of three sons, Jack was born to Robert & Minnie Craddock in their home on King Street in Alexandria, Virginia on September 8, 1922. Jack's childhood memories included a menagerie of pets—Bessie the cow, chickens, dogs, and cats. He was known to sneak out the family Model T on occasion for joy rides and for pulling pranks with his buddies such as stretching an imaginary rope across busy King Street to see if cars would stop. After graduating from George Washington High School in 1940, he entered The University of Virginia from 1941-1943 until WWII interrupted his studies. Jack was accepted into the Navy B12 Officer Program for Marine officer training at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1943. After serving with his troops in the Pacific theatre, Jack was preparing for the land invasion of Japan until the Japanese surrender in August, 1945. Jack said he was fully prepared to die during the land invasion knowing the odds of survival would have been slim. Jack was eventually assigned to Tientsin, China to command a battalion charged with protecting the local villagers from the ensuing communist invasion. After the war, Jack returned to the States to complete his studies at The University of Virginia and eventually retired from the Marine Corps Reserve as a Major. He was immensely proud of his service with the US Marine Corps and always flew the Marine Corps flag on November 10th each year to recognize the Marine Corps birthday.
Jack married Jacqueline "Jackie" Anne Beerman on August 27, 1949, in Alexandria, Virginia. They met at a John Paul Jones dance in their teenage years when Jack's friends kept pairing six-foot-plus Jack and petite Jackie together to dance. The friends thought they were playing a good practical joke, but the encounter evidently made a lasting impression as Jack returned to Alexandria to call on Jackie several years later. After a whirlwind romance, they tied the knot, a tight knot that lasted for 72 ½ years of marriage. They adored each other and lived in their home together until his passing.
Jack's career in the life insurance business lasted 61 years. Starting in the Group Department with Pacific Mutual Life Insurance, he eventually formed his own insurance and annuity business in Houston, Texas. Jack became a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) in 1969 and was President of the Association of Managers and General Agents for Life Insurance.
On his 99th birthday, the Houston Astros invited Jack to throw the honorary first pitch in recognition of his military service. Not to be outdone, the Houston Texans invited Jack to lead the team onto the field on Veterans' Sunday where he was once again recognized for his military service. On both occasions, the cheering fans brought him to tears.
Jack is survived by his wife, Jackie, his daughter, Anne Craddock, son, John Craddock and wife Mary Cooley Craddock, daughter, Amy Craddock, two grandchildren, Jack Craddock III and Caroline Craddock, four step grandchildren, Sarah, Blair, Denton, and William Walker and their spouses and children. Young Jack Craddock christened his grandfather Paw Paw which soon became his family name. Paw Paw relished his visits with everybody in the family and always delighted in their successes. His love reached way beyond his biological family to include his daughter-in-law's large extended family. Jack always looked forward to being with everybody on Thanksgiving and on Christmas Eve. He felt loved by everybody and returned it with joy.
Jack was blessed with a gentle demeanor, pleasant disposition, and easygoing manner. Patriotic to the core, he was a true southern gentleman and lived up to the character of the Greatest Generation. He was a man of faith, having been raised southern Baptist until converting to Catholicism as a young man, and continued to be active in his church for the rest of his life. He was a born leader. He was elected Vice Mayor of Vienna, Virginia and later founded Boy Scout Troop 599 where he served as its first Scoutmaster for several years. His family leadership style was exemplary. He never raised his voice, always sought to resolve conflict, and fulfilled his role as husband and father with a deep and faithful love for Jackie and each of his children. With integrity that was never questioned, he was kind, charming, and had a mischievous wit. He leaves behind an abiding legacy, and he will be dearly missed.
A celebration of his life will be conducted at a memorial service at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, Texas 77079, at 10:30 AM on Thursday, April 21, 2022. The Craddock family would like to thank Tim Guzman, Dr. Susan Cooley and her amazing team at Care Consultants of Texas for their guidance, loving care, and wisdom during his final weeks. In lieu of gifts, the family requests that donations may be made to the Houston SPCA, 7007 Old Katy Road, Houston, Texas 77024, The Wild Animal Sanctuary, 2999 Cole Rd 53, Keenesburg, CO 80643, or the charity of your choice.