James Thomas Craven passed away on 02 August 2025 of cancer linked to agent orange exposure in Buckeye, Arizona.
James was born March 12, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Walter and Linda Craven.
He was raised on the East Coast on butter, pickles, and Jewish delis. He joined the Navy and served for 25 years, sailing around the world. He served in the Vietnam War. After his service, he worked in the hospitality industry prior to retiring. He dabbled in building model LSTs. His hobbies include gardening and annoying his wife. He (possibly) single handedly kept the Buckeye Dunkin Donuts in business with his daily visits.
James was preceded in death by his son, James Thomas Craven Jr. James is survived by his wife Debra; his daughters Heather, Alaina, and Brenna; and his 9 beautiful grandchildren.
James will be follow in the long standing tradition of the true mariner that he was and will be buried at sea joining those shipmates that preceded him, where he will continue his sailing and journey through eternity.
Cards, food, and love can be mailed to his beautiful wife Debra.
Memorial services are not set yet.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
522 East Western Avenue, Avondale, AZ 85323
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more