October 19, 1969 - August 27, 2024
Visitation
Saturday, August 31, 2024 from12-2 p.m. at Moreland Funeral Home
Service
Saturday, August 31, 2024 2 .m. at Moreland Funeral Home
James E. Craft was born in Columbus Ohio October 16, 1969 and died August 27, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years Michele A. Craft; children whom he adored, Abby E. Craft, Adam S. Craft and Benjamin R. Craft; brothers, Andrew M. Craft and Shawn Craft (Tricia); brothers-in-law, Michael D. Anderson (Vickie), M. Douglas Anderson (Laura), and Jeffrey S. Anderson (Jason); Uncles, Ted Craft , Danny Craft, and Jeff Craft; dearest lifelong friends, Chuck Manns, Rob DCosta, and Paul Hildahl and many much loved nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two women who played a key role in his life, his step-mother, Cheryl Craft and mother, figure Yvonne Manns.
James is preceded in death by his parents Glenn Edward Craft and Jean Louise Craftand in-laws George L. and Jane E. Anderson.
James attended Columbus Alternative High School graduating in 1987 and was a1997 graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
He served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corp.
James was a valued employee of the State of Ohio Attorney Generals Office as a Victims of Crime Investigator for many years.
James was an avid reader, Big 10 sports fan, and cooking enthusiast.
Visitation will be at Moreland Funeral Home, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, OH 43081, Saturday, August 31, 2024 from 12-2 p.m. followed by a service at 2 p.m.
Donations in memory of James may be sent to: Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, 175 South Third Street, Suite 700 Columbus, Ohio 43215. www.ohiospf.org or NAMI Franklin County, 1225 Dublin Road #110, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Condolences
Wanda Boysel (Medovich) - Sep 1, 2024
I was so saddened to learn that James had passed. He and I were both investigators in the Attorney General’s office and sometimes on the same team. He had a wry, sometimes self deprecating sense of humor that often lifted the spirits of a staff that dealt with heavy situations involving victims of crime. But he took his job seriously and advocated on their behalf. James and I drove together to several training events in London and enjoyed some deep discussions. He could have been a philosopher. He was a big, tender hearted teddy bear and loving family man. He bragged about his wife and children often, especially during those car rides. I retired in 2016 and only saw him occasionally thereafter at retirement parties and such. But he always greeted me with a warm hug and a grin. Rest in Peace big guy. You will be missed.
Michael Sheline - Aug 31, 2024
James had a big heart and cared deeply for those often overlooked. His passing can help us understand we lost someone who was kind, and we can best remember him by being kind as well.
Jim Cooper - Aug 30, 2024
James was one of the best friends I ever had. He was a huge man with the most gentle, caring, heart. I sorry for your loss.