Craig J. Gehring

It is hard to believe that it has been 19 years since CJ died. I still remember him -- all of the baseball games where he would be sitting in the stands, reading newspapers, but paying attention to every pitch and swing of the bat! I can only imagine his critique of the changes made by Major League Baseball this year -- they've made the BASES LARGER!!! Somehow, I think CJ would find that outrageous!

CJ has an old friend there in baseball heaven this year. Ken Hockin, who often sat with CJ and/or went to away sporting events with CJ,, died on March 16, 2023. I hope they are catching up on past seasons.

You guys may be gone from this troubled earth but you are not forgotten, and you are sadly missed.

Rest in Peace.

Karen and I have been involved with the Winchester Royals NCAA Valley League baseball team for many years. Sitting in the bleachers behind home plate, we would exchange casual comments (usually about the quality of the umpiring !) with the big, sandy-haired guy who generally glaced up from his stack of newspapers as each pitch was delivered. Finally, by sneaking a peek at the mailing labels on his papers and magazines, we found he was C.J. Gehring...probably know as Craig to his family and co-workers, but "CJ" to us.

We found CJ knowledgeable and articulate on a variety of subjects, and also found him sympathetic as Karen went through an unfounded lawsuit against her. Later, we met for dinner so CJ cound draw on Karen's expertise for a family lawsuit in which he prevailed.

We attended the theatre together, and were beginning to plan for another dinner when he dropped out of sight. I mailed an invitation to my retirement dinner; it came back undeliverable from CJ's Linden, VA, PO box; we did not know he had moved to Stephens City, VA.

CJ, it was our extreme pleasure to know you and perhaps call you a friend. We only wish we could have been able to be supportive the last few months.

May Peace be with you.

Jim & Karen Shipp

Winchester, VA

I have known Craig since he became my brother Mike's friend in Junior High in Flushing, Michigan. As the year's went by he also became my friend. Three things I will miss about Craig are his love of travel, theatre and most of all anything about Michigan State University. I will remember trips to Germany, Italy and England, plays in London, Stratford, Ontario & in DC. Craig's love of his alma mater - MSU (not to be confused with that other school where he got his law degree) made him Mr. Spartie and I will miss attending MSU events with him. He will be in our hearts and thoughts at all future events. Most memorable are being with him when MSU won the Rose Bowl in 1988 beating USC 20 - 17 & when we won the NCAA National Basketball Championship in Indianapolis in 2000 beating the Florida Gaters 89 - 76. We watched our local "Flintstones" from Flint Michigan show how the game should be played. I don't think I have ever seen a bigger smile on Craig's face than at those two victories. So I am sure Craig will be at future events with us in spirit. Until we meet again - Craig - Go Green!

For years and years I often saw this man at baseball games (and other sporting events) played throughout the Shenandoah Valley and I always wondered who he was. He'd sit and watch the games while reading his newspaper and eating a hot dog. It was amazing because he was everywhere. The only thing anyone could tell me about him was that he went by the name "CJ" and that he was a lawyer.



Two years ago at a Winchester American Legion Post 21 baseball game (I'm a coach) CJ came up to me and said how much he enjoyed the way our team played during the Virginia State Tournament. We finished 2nd that year to a fine Richmond team. From that point on we talked often at various games when we came across each other. He became a tremendous supporter and asset to our team by helping out in the press box, working the scoreboard, keeping the scorebook, doing some announcing, etc. Whatever needed to be done he'd volunteer to help. He put in a lot of hours at some of our tournaments, all the while giving some welcomed advice and encouragement.



It's going to be really strange not seeing CJ at our games. He was a fixture in the ballparks all over the area and we'll miss him very much. He loved the game, but even more, I think that he loved just being around people and he especially loved to be supportive of our young men in the athletic endevours.



CJ, you're in a better place. Hopefully you're sitting in the front row of that big ballpark in the sky doing what you love most... watching a ballgame, eating a hot dog and interacting with the fans.... and reading that darn newspaper.

C.Js concern and compassion for the local kids in both sports and real life endeavors made him a special friend. He was a brilliant person who enjoyed his time at the "park" and who only had kind words for life. We will miss you C.J., and I can only imagine what kind of sporting event you're experiencing in Heaven....with papers in your lap of course.

C.J. was a wonderful person and a good friend. He was a brilliant conversationalist and a fan of all sports.



I will miss him greatly.

Craig will be sadly missed by all in the Sports World of the Winchester Va. area.

Craig was a great friend and will be missed this summer in the Valley Baseball league.

Mr. Gehring is my friend, and a man to look up to and smile. I have known him since I was a little boy, I am 27 years of age, now. He supported, and critiqued, every pass I ever received and often helped me catch the ones I dropped, even after a ball fell through my hands, and I could only scold myself for my lack of "hands". He was there. He handed me confidence in conversation and silence, and I am grateful. A beautiful man, brimming, with love and compassion, for the underdog and victor. Mr. Gehring was not for anyone, but us...the home team. I love and miss him. Pray-tell his camera flashes again, photographing and laughing his wide-open lion laugh smiling, his gentle fingers pointing us all to sanctuary, that not known way home. I miss him, and wish I could say one more thing to him...he is a good man. (Wish we could talk again in my parents' living room, I never finished the Beckett talk, and you gotta read Lorca's plays before you see them, and can I come with you?) I love him. And will not forget the brillant lights. Mr. Gehring, not good bye...so long, see you soon and we'll laugh. your friend, tim