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James Craft Obituary
Norfolk - James Raynor "Jim" Craft, III, 71, passed away on December 17, 2016.
Born in Portsmouth, VA, he was the son of the late James Raynor Craft, Jr. and Maibelle H. Craft.
Jim was a graduate of Wilson High School and Old Dominion University. He spent many years teaching in New York City, and then later retired as a teacher from Norfolk Public Schools. He performed for many years with the Little Theatre of Norfolk.
Left to cherish his memory: aunt, Marjorie H. Harrell of Portsmouth, VA, cousins, Carolyn L. Manzo (Michael) and Sammy E. LaNasa (Teresa) of Buffalo, NY. He was an amazing colleague, great teacher, and beloved friend. Many children in Norfolk can credit him for being a bright light in their education.
A memorial service will be planned for April. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Little Theatre of Norfolk. Condolences may be offered to the family at:
www.hollomon-brown.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Craft
Sponsored by the family.
Yin Wu
May 1, 2017
Mr. Craft taught me in 5th grade at WH Taylor Elementary in 1994. He remains one of my most inspiring teachers and it is with great sadness that I have learned of his passing.
December 29, 2016
Mr. Craft was an amazing teacher- the kind that one still remembers 25 years later. I'm so sorry to read of his loss. -Courtney (5th grade student of Mr. Craft at Taylor Elementary in 1990)
Randy Bowers
December 21, 2016
My Name is Randy Bowers, My Mothers name was Marie Hope Craft Bowers. So heart broken and sad to learn of Jim's passing. I was in Mame, at the TDT with Jim and we became friends, loved his humor! Then one day I got a call back stage (on that pay phone) from my mother, asking if I knew someone in the show named Rainer? I said no, I don't recognize the name Rainer, and as I said that Jim was walking by, stopped looked at me, and I said to my Mom what's the last name and Why? she said (as if I should know) Craft!! and I said to Jim do you know a Rainer Craft, he looked shocked and said that's me!!! and I put him on the phone with my Mom his cousin. We were so thrilled and found it funny to learn we were related! I've been looking for him for years. We lost touch when I went in the Army, then moved to CA. Just such a wonderful, loving, funny Man.
LEWIS
December 21, 2016
CRAFT LOVED ONES:OFFERING SYMPATHY AT THIS TIME OF SORROW.DRAW CLOSE TO THE TRUE GOD ,YOU WILL FIND HE WILL DRAW CLOSE TO YOU(JAMES 4:8).
Jim Craft in "The Music Man", Little Theatre of Virginia Beach, 1976
Jeff Klein
December 21, 2016
Mike Zarella
December 21, 2016
Mr. Craft was my fifth grade teacher in 1988. He was an amazing teacher and treated his students as if they were his own children. He always believed in me and encouraged me to be the best I could be. When I graduated high school, he kept his promise and was in attendance. You were a great person and it was an honor to be one of your "kids". My condolences to all your loved ones. RIP
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Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home & Crematory - Kempsville Chapel1485 Kempsville Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23464
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