Obituary of James MacGregor Craig

James MacGregor Craig – 84 of Pictou, passed away in Tatamagouche Hospital on June 30, 2024. Born at home in Cape John December 9, 1939, he was the eldest son of the late Donald and Sadie Craig. On the cape he spent the first five years of his life, surrounded by family, including his two sets of grandparents. Memories of this time remained with him throughout his life. From Cape John he moved into “the village” where life-long friendships were made. He attended school in River John and Tatamagouche and later went on to Trade School in Spring Hill. Then, as a sheet metal worker, he did his apprenticeship in Toronto before returning to River John to start his own business, which he operated into his eighties. In his youth, Jim enjoyed hockey on “the River” and became a member of the River John Trail Blazers Hockey Team. He loved the game and, over the years, has remained a loyal Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Any free time he had was dedicated to his passion for music. Jim played several instruments, but his heart and soul belonged to the banjo. He was known by some as “Banjo Jim.” This love of music lead him into various bluegrass bands, as well as fiddle groups. His wife, Nancy, was also part of these groups as their stand-up-bass player. Bluegrass festivals around the Maritimes became a regular summertime event. However, their favorite gig was performing for the residents of local Nursing Homes. Over the years, Jim has belonged to several organizations, including Lions, Masons and Shriners. He just recently received his 25-year jewel from the IOOF. Family ties were important to Jim and those ties were many. At various times throughout his life, he has appeared in a photograph containing five generations of his family members. Jim is survived by his wife Nancy (Giberson); his daughter Pamela (Darrell) Snow, his son Paul (Janet), stepdaughter Karen Tait-Wight; grandchildren Liam (Jane), Brad, Jenna (Steve) and Aaron; step grandchildren Lucas (Bri) and Baillie (Zach); great granddaughters Perrie and Audrey; special aunt Kathleen Baillie; brothers Brian (Maurita) and Sandy (Alice); sisters Irma (Murray) LeGrow, Liz Murray, and Heather (Sandy) Peddie; sister-in-law Betty Craig and Nancy’s brothers Perley, Michael and Greg. Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by his brother Douglas, brother-in-law David Murray and nephew Trevor Murray. Funeral service will be held at 2 pm Thursday, July 4 at Salem United Church, River John with Reverend Connie McNamara officiating. Following interment in Hamilton Cemetery, River John a reception will be held at the River John Fire Hall. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Bush and the staff at LFMH in Tatamagouche for the excellent care Jim received. Donations in memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the care and direction of McLaren’s Funeral Home, Pictou. Til’ we meet again “Handsome Jim.”