James Arthur Craig

Craig, James (Jim) Arthur

(Longtime parishioner of St. Alphonsus Church and member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Alphonsus Knights of Columbus Council #11086).

Passed away peacefully, after a short illness, in the arms of his wife, Carolyn, at Peterborough Regional Health Centre on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in his 88th year.

Jim, beloved husband of 63 years to Carolyn (née Blacklock). Loving and devoted father of Rob and his wife Jackie, Karen Craig-Chizmeshya and her husband Gord, and Sue van Yzendoorn and her husband Hans. Cherished grandfather of Andrew (Chloe), Becky (Mike), Kenzie (Eric), Ali (Dan), Sydney-Quinn, and Anton (Sam). Great-grandfather of Hannorah, Charlotte, Myles, Mayve, Calvin, and Miller. Dear brother of Dianne Hauri (Werner), Allan, Robert (Betty Ann), Marie, Joe (Rosario), and Ted (Betsy).

Jim was born in Fort Frances to Robert Craig and Sophie Primeau. He attended St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto on a full four-year scholarship, which prepared him for a long and successful career as a civil engineer in Port Arthur, Orillia, and Peterborough. For many years, Jim served as the Director of Water Utilities for the Peterborough Utilities Commission. He was instrumental in the design of the Zoo Railway at the Riverview Park & Zoo.

He was a dedicated member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and helped with its successful gleaners program. Jim loved all sports—playing Oldtimers hockey and baseball, an avid downhill skier, and proudly cheering on his children and grandchildren in all their various activities. He loved his Blue Jays, and he “couch-played” every position for every game of his beloved Maple Leafs.

Jim’s lasting legacy was his commitment to ensuring that the Riverview Park & Zoo remained free and accessible to everyone.

In lieu of flowers, Jim requested that donations be made to the specific Train Fund for the Riverview Park & Zoo and to the Gleaners Program.

Relatives and friends are invited to Jim’s visitation at Highland Park Funeral Centre (2510 Bensfort Rd.) on Sunday, November 23, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. (Knights of Columbus prayers at 12:45 p.m.). A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Alphonsus Church (1066 Western Ave.) on Monday, November 24, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a light luncheon at St. Alphonsus Parish Hall. Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.highlandparkfuneralcenter.com. An online live link for the funeral mass will be available via the Highland Park funeral center’s website.