Newtown - James Patrick Craig, 88, of Newtown and formerly of Lafayette, passed away in the Community Hospital North, Indianapolis, IN, on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 6:30 a.m.
James was born in Lafayette, Indiana on October 31, 1935.  He was the son of the late Michael and Mary (Mathieson) Craig.  He was raised in Lafayette, graduating from Lafayette Jefferson High School.  He went on to Purdue University and received his B.S. Degree in Psychology.  James then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country honorably.  He later went back to Purdue and received his B.S. Degree and Master's Degree in Industrial Education.
After the service, James moved to Evanston, IL and worked as a machinist.  In 1963 he moved back to Lafayette and continued working as a machinist while continuing his education with Purdue.  He later moved to Portage, Indiana to teach Industrial Education at Portage High School for 15 years.  He then returned to West Lafayette, to work at Purdue University on the Collider Detector for Fermi National Laboratory in Batavia, IL.  After his retirement he and his wife, Bobbi moved to Newport, RI and later resided in Camden, Maine.  They enjoyed the laidback lifestyle of coastal Maine, where James enjoyed sculpting, painting, and photography.  He was an accomplished musician, where he played several different types of instruments.  He also enjoyed the time spent riding his motorcycles.
On October 15th, 1982 James married Roberta "Bobbi" Preston in West Lafayette.
He leaves behind his wife, Bobbi of 40 years, along with three sons, James Craig, Yorktown, IN; Rick Craig, Denham, IN and Tim (Paula) Craig, North Judson, IN; a step son, Mike Rothenberger, Carmel, IN and a step daughter, Kati Black, Indianapolis, IN; a brother, Dennis (Rita) Craig, West Lafayette; a son-in-law, Vince Lemus, Hebron, IN; nine grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a daughter, Paddy Lemus.
Friends may call at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 407 S. Perry St., Attica, IN on Wednesday, January 17th, from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral mass at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. David Rasner officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow in the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Attica.