James Craig, Sr.

James Dory Craig Sr. passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Capital Health Systems in Hopewell, NJ. James was born at his grandmothers house at 58 Wilson Street, Trenton, NJ on February 19, 1939. 

He was a lifelong resident of Trenton and was educated in the Trenton Public School system. At the age of 16 he met and started working for John Zuccarelli, the owner of Interstate Waste 
Removal Corporation. Shortly after, he met and married the love of his life Gillie Ann Smith from Princeton, NJ. Soon after the marriage "Jimmy" got a baby baboon and named him Marvin. Marvin rode on the back of Jimmy's motorcycle and together they rode all over town.

For the next decade Jimmy became a professional motorcycle racer, winning more trophies than one can count. During that time, he started the Jay Hawks Motorcycle Club and was one of the founding members of the Cycle Kings.

On May 18, 1968, Jimmy and Annie welcomed into the world their son, "baby Jimmy". "Big" Jimmy and  Annie started their lifelong new journey in Ewing Township purchasing a home with a lot of land where he.could build everything that he ever dreamed of for his family with his own two hands, including several additions and a swimming pool. They threw the most amazing parties, family events and cook out gatherings.

Despite starting his own trucking company J. Craig & Son Trucking, which he ran for over 40 years, he still found time to help John Zuccarelli operate his farm and golf course. John considered Jimmy family.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents Peyton Craig, Sr. and Elizabeth Laramore Craig; his wife of 62 years Gillie Ann Craig; his grandmother Virginia Laramore; his three brothers, Donald, Peyton Jr. and John Craig; his sister Virginia Craig Thomas.

Jimmy's memory will be cherished and forever remembered by his son Jimmy Jr.; granddaughter Sydney; great grandchildren Leah and Prince Ali; brothers Grayson Craig and Peyton Pinkston from North Carolina; his sister Sarah Craig Inniss from Trenton; his Aunt Lois Craig Moises from Princeton, NJ; his sisters-in-law, Hattie Black, Susie (William) Johnson and Wynola Smith; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will 11am Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Hughes Funeral Home, 324 Bellevue Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Calling hour will be 10am until the time of service. Interment will be at Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, NJ. 

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