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James T. (Sonny) Craft, Sr.
January 30, 1932 – April 3, 2024
James T. Craft, 92 of Mize, MS went to be with the Lord on April 3, 2024 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel MS. He was the son of James Eudell and A. Marie Sullivan Craft of Mize born January 30, 1932 at home. James was predeceased by his parents James Eudell and A. Marie Craft, his wife Nita Jo Eaton Craft, and his only sister Nada Jo Craft Tullos. He is survived by children, James T. (Jimmy) Craft Jr. (Pam) of Clinton, Pamela Ann Wilgus of Florida, and Sheila Marie Craft of Metairie, Louisiana. He leaves 3 grandchildren, Tonya Hamby (David) of Bay St. Louis, Dr. Christopher T Craft of Dayton, OH, and Benjamin J. Craft (Kailin) of Lake Jackson, Texas and 8 great grandchildren, Brickleigh, Bella and Bridgette Wolfe of Bay St. Louis, Jean Paul Hamby of Bay St. Louis, as well as McKenzie, Christopher, Ellasyn and Bennett Craft of Lake Jackson, Texas.
He attended school at Mize, graduating in 1949. After graduation he moved to Jackson. In 1950 he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served for two years in the Philippines and Japan during the Korean War. Upon returning to civilian life in 1952 he began work with Friden Office Machines and then Office Supply Company in machines repair, eventually moving to sales where he became the top sales person for all 13 of stores. He worked at the Jackson OSCO store location until he was promoted to President and General Manager of the OSCO Hattiesburg operation in January 1973. He was quite successful in that endeavor and decided to step out on his own, establishing Craft Office Products, Inc. in October 1974 in Jackson. He worked in this capacity until his retirement in July 1997. During his young career Mr. Craft formed several enduring relationships as an active member of the Jaycees and continued to impact many lives throughout his career.
James met Nita Jo Eaton of Booneville, MS on a blind date, who had also moved to Jackson. They were married on July 31, 1954. James and Nita loved the Smoky Mountains and built several chalets on Ski Mountain. He also built a convenience store, Exxon station and restaurant in the Kodak TN area. Known in Mize as “Sonny”, James decided to move to Smith County to build a new home with Nita on the family land near Mize where he resided until his death.
The Crafts were faithful members and supporters of Alta Woods United Methodist Church and subsequent to retirement commuted from Mize to Jackson to worship for many years. He served on many committees, boards and as Sunday School superintendent for the church. Mr. Craft showed his faith through actions by faithful giving, serving others on mission trips, 60+ group at Alta Woods Church, through the Craft House free medical clinic and many other activities throughout his lifetime.
Mr. Craft was very active right up to the end, traveling to Gatlinburg and countless other destinations as well as maintaining a 10-acre grounds (affectionately named Mize-Hill) manicured to perfection. Each evening, James was faithful to study the Word of God and spend time in prayer. He was a stalwart example of how to properly lead a Christian life before not only his children, but also to all those around him. James was a natural leader and strategic thinker who possessed much wisdom which he generously shared with those who sought it out. He was an exemplary mentor to many and always placed others before himself. It is noteworthy that James loved his country very much and exhibited his patriotism at every opportunity. James loved to celebrate life, often times celebrating birthdays for a month or more! He will be sorely missed by his family, church and friends. The Craft family would like to thank Doctors Deepu Thoppil and David Harrison along with the exceptionally caring nurses at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 06, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee. Burial will follow in Jones Family Cemetery in Mize, Mississippi. Reverend Chris Cumbest will officiate. Pallbearers will be Dr. Christopher and Benjamin Craft, Dr. David Hamby, Jerry Powell, Donald Landry and Jean Paul Hamby. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee is in charge of arrangements. 601-849-5031
Memorials can be made to the Jones Family Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 85, Mize, MS 39116 or to Alta Woods United Methodist Church in Jackson.
Sign online guestbook at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com
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