Joseph C. Craig

Message from Janet

Mr. Craig, as I knew him from 7th and 8th grade, was a phenomenal teacher. Even as a young student, I could tell that he enjoyed teaching. He was one of the “good ones.” Over the years, I have thought about him often and stumbled on his obituary today. I used to deliver AV equipment to the classrooms in the early mornings before classes started. I fondly remember him…his knit ties, his moustache and cup of coffee……and his precision and purpose when hanging new posters on the wall. Some teachers didn’t care what their classrooms looked like but he did and he replaced those posters often so we got to see a variety. Those posters opened our eyes to see different animals and parts of the world. He also used several pull-down maps when teaching to enhance our understanding of the areas we were learning about. In some classrooms, those maps were never unrolled… He was an animated teacher and walked around a lot. You could tell he enjoyed teaching.

I am sorry things were difficult towards the end….my father passed away a few years ago and I understand how difficult that can be. Remember the good times you shared as a family, look at photos of healthier times, remember him at his best and know that he made a difference to so many students.

May God continue to give you all comfort and peace.

A candle was lit by Jeffrey Craig on August 28, 2023 4:09 AM

Message from Melinda Mendez-Titus-Scott

Joe was an important part of my education & teaching experience. Assigned to Project STAY as a requirement for a course at Purdue University Calumet, I quickly became committed to working with Joe’s students. Eventually, Joe hired me to work as his Aide and Project STAY became my first experience as an educator. Joe had an innate ability to demonstrate healthy compassion, empathy and humor in every situation. He taught me skills in classroom management, crisis intervention & de-escalation that I use to this day. He was my teacher, as well as peer, confidant & friend. Professionalism was always a first with him. I have thought of him often over the years & truly wish we hadn’t lost contact. It was totally accidental that I ran across his obituary. I thought it very important to let those who read this know, this man touched & saved lives! He once told me that when he died, ‘if there is a long procession at my funeral & if people remember me, then I know my life will have been a success.’ Well, Joe, I remember& I carry with me the lessons you taught me as an educator into every part of my life. I am truly grateful to have known & worked with you. May God Bless you, all you have loved & all whose lives you have touched.

Message from Jeffrey Craig

Hi Melinda,

This is Jeff, Joe’s oldest son (now 30). I just came across this message and wanted to say thank you for writing so many kind words. It’s already been multiple years since his passing, but I hope he left good memories for his former students and school colleagues. We had many family issues towards the end, which were tough to deal with, and he struggled during these times. So I hope he’s in a better place now.

A candle was lit by Melinda Mendez Titus Scott on September 22, 2022 9:32 AM

Message from Jeff

Miss you dad. It's been a rough year

Expression of Sympathy

An A GARDEN PATH was sent by Adam, Pierce, Luke, Phil, Will, Jim, Josh, Pat, Eric, St. B, Andy, Tolley on November 24, 2017

Message from Adrianne Wehmer

Dear June and Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you can find peace and God's grace in this. Joe was a fortunate man who had a wonderful and loving family. May he rest in peace.

A candle was lit by Robin on November 19, 2017 4:08 PM

A candle was lit by Jeffrey Craig on November 15, 2017 1:43 PM

---

“But as long as you remember what you have seen, then nothing is gone. As long as you remember, it is part of this story we have together.”
― Leslie Marmon Silko, Ceremony

Will miss you bro,
JC30

A candle was lit by Jeffrey Craig on November 15, 2017 1:30 PM

A candle was lit by Devin Newton on November 13, 2017 10:41 PM