John "Jack" Craig
Sept. 26, 1930 - Feb. 4, 2021
Resident of Novato
John "Jack" Craig, age 90, passed away on February 4, 2021. He was born in Nanticoke, PA. His parents were Lawrence and Elizabeth Craig. Jack graduated from Balboa High School, San Francisco City College and the University of San Francisco. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After his service he was a salesman in Material Handling. Jack regularly attended Catholic services and bible study. He loved his daughters and extended family. Jack is survived by daughters Annamarie and Karin; grandsons Preston and Colin; niece Mary Herdegen and her husband Dave; nephew Craig Johnson and his wife Cindy and all their children. He is predeceased by his sister Lois and brother-in-law Jerry Johnson. He is also survived by his former wife Carol Marie Leif Gianni and family. He was deeply loved by his family who will miss the enthusiasm, upbeat energy, and love he brought to life.
A Graveside Service will be held Thurs., Feb. 25 at 1:00PM at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park 1700 Pleasant Hill Rd, Sebastopol, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's name to Catholic Charities.
Condolences available at adobecreekfuneralhome.com

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Published by Marin Independent Journal Obits from Feb. 20 to Feb. 22, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Craig

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16 Entries

Kristin Hass

February 24, 2021

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 giving us all his beautiful daughters and I’m comforted by the idea that he is looking down on us and will be storming heaven for us when we need him.

Kaia Simmons

February 24, 2021

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!

Anne Mahoney

February 23, 2021

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 parishioner at Our Lady of Loretto church, and I could generally count on him being about 5 or 6 pews behind us at Mass...greeting us warmly afterwards and always inquiring with genuine concern about the family. Rest in peace, Jack.

Novato Library Staff

February 23, 2021

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.

Bill Gianni

February 20, 2021

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.

Derek Herdegen

February 19, 2021

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 schedule from my parents, and would make it a point to try and catch at least one game a season, for many years. And, we live more than two hours drive away, so that was no easy feat as the years dragged on. Uncle Jack would always give me some pointers after the game and his smile and positive attitude was contagious, even if we didn’t win there was always the next game he would be at.
As some of us know, Uncle Jack was also quite the athlete himself. For many years, he played Senior Softball- traveling all over for tournaments around the region. Our family would catch his games when he was playing in our area. I always tried to keep up with his batting average during his playing years.
Another one of my favorite memories of my Great Uncle Jack is when he was at our house and we were giving him a tour of my Dad’s Sports Memorabilia Room (ranging from Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali). Boy, Uncle Jack wasted no time getting warmed up! He took the autographed Michael Jordan basketball out of its display case started dribbling it around the room; at one point he even went between his legs, until we were able to get his attention and let him know That Would Be The End Of That Game! We were all laughing hysterically (except my Dad) and had to remind Uncle Jack the Jordan ball was a Collector’s item! That memory will last with me and my family forever and Uncle Jack will always be a part of our Sports Memorabilia Room. As the years went on.. and we were all well past our sports days, we would still enjoy great times and chats-specifically about the 49ers, as Uncle Jack was always a loyal fan.
As we dealt with a life changing moment within our family over the years, Uncle Jack was always showing support every step of the way and would often call and check in on us, as a family. His constant prayers, and letting us know he was thinking about us constantly will last with us forever. I can’t begin to share how big of an impact he has had on our family. Uncle Jack always put family first and did whatever it took to be there for his family.
We are all going to miss Uncle Jack, but just know he is up there in spirit watching over all of us; hitting home-run bombs, and most definitely lounging in his favorite San Francisco 49ers Jersey while listening to all the games!
Love Derek Herdegen and the 4 Herds!

Adobe Creek Funeral Home

February 20, 2021

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

Tod Carr

February 18, 2021

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 Corrine's garbage cans very week and also made sure her newspaper was moved from the parking area to her interior patio every single morning. It was like clockwork. He never waivered from his need to care for her later as she became ill (and only a few years older than him!). I enjoyed my weekly visit with him on garbage day and never missed an opportunity to say "hi" to him. I never lost that first impression of a very kind soul standing soaked in the rain at my front door. I will miss him. We were never best friends, only acquaintances but I cherish his memory. He was one of the last true gentlemen. Learning now that he was in the Korean War as was my own father makes that connection even more valuable to me. My heart goes out to his family and true friends. Condolences all around. He will be missed by many.

Cheryl Simmons

February 17, 2021

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 unwavering. But the main thing that struck me about Jack was the love he had for his two daughters. He would glow when he spoke of them and would've done anything for them.
He was a joyful presence at family gatherings, and could often be found outside playing baseball with the kids well after most adults would've retired the bat and ball.
We all have a lot to learn from him.

Laura Gianni

February 15, 2021

It was such an honor to know Jack for almost 40 years! Most recently, when he knew he was going to see me, he would make a point of bringing items to family parties such as photos and cards I has sent him- he made a point of showing me what he had saved about my family- holiday cards, baby pictures, especially of my oldest son. It was so sweet and I think it was his way of showing me how my family was important to him. He was a very special guy. I hope he knew that he was important to me too, I will really miss him!

Carol Griff-Gianni

February 15, 2021

Dear Jack,
You were a very good man in so many ways. You were an outstanding provider for our girls, never missing a single child-support payment nor spousal support check for me. You were there when the need was there.
You always added your one-of-a-kind energy to our family gatherings... I will miss you Jack. Thanks for all the caring, thoughts and prayers you so generously gave to all of us. I hope wherever you are that you are happy and at rest knowing that you did a great job in this life time.❤❤❤

NANCY BRUMBAUGH

February 12, 2021

i will miss him after a 20+ year bible study friendship at St. Anthony's. He set up and broke down our study room for as long as we met. He loved our potlucks and always brought lasagna. We would trade leftovers (he loved my homemade almond roca). Jack kept a list of people to pray for and always remembered to ask how these people were doing. He loved his family very much and was always willing to help someone if he could. He loved talking to my husband about sports but especially baseball. He was a great guy! Rest in peace Jack

Earlene Hass

February 12, 2021

Jack was just a great guy, devoted to his family, his church and his favorite sports teams, the 49ers and the Giants. He was a most humble and grateful man.

Mary Herdegen

February 11, 2021

To My “Favorite Uncle” Jack...as I called you. You have always been an example to me, and my family, how to love unconditionally and have faith in God. Your love and enduring support for your daughters was always inspiring to see. We love you and will miss you...until we meet again.

Karin Davis

February 11, 2021

Your candle will never die!!! You were the embodiment of love, life, positivity and happiness and I’m so thankful for all your wonderful traits you bestowed on me!!! I’ll miss u always and love u to the moon and back! Thanks for gracing me with not just being my dad but being my friend! I love u so much and miss u every day! I know u r just shining up there in heaven and still shining your light and lovely star on us! Lucky us to be fortunate to have had u in our lives!!! Love u so much dad and miss you every day! Xoxox Karin

Annie Craig

February 11, 2021

Hi Dad,
I am lighting a candle in your memory. You have prayed for and lit so many candles for all of us over the years that now, it is our time to do it for you. We love and miss you so much. I trust you are in heaven now and certainly, you are away from all this Covid and political stress of 2020. Love, Annie

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