Craig Allen Lynch

Craig Allen Lynch, age 70, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on November 23, 2024. Born on February 28, 1954, in Duluth, Minnesota, Craig lived a life full of love, service, and dedication to his family, faith, and career. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert John Lynch, his mother, June Diane Kotka, and his grandson, Noah Michael Jakeman.

Craig is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Donna Wilkinson Lynch of Phoenix, Arizona; his son, Joshua Robert Lynch (Ariel Jensen), and their daughter, Iris, of Murray, Utah; and his daughter, Alexandria Elizabeth Jakeman (Shaun Jakeman) and their children, Lilyan, Elijah, Aiden, and Emma Jakeman, all of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. He also leaves behind countless friends and loved ones who were touched by his warmth and generosity.

Craig’s life was marked by a profound commitment to his faith, his profession, and his family. A proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Craig was baptized on March 3, 1962, and went on to serve a full-time mission in England in 1974-1975, where he built a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. His unwavering faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he was always eager to share the gospel and uplift those around him.

In his professional life, Craig’s passion for gemstones and jewelry led him to an illustrious career as a certified gemologist. He received his Graduate Gemologist accreditation from the Gemological Institute of America in 1983, followed by his Accredited Senior Gemologist title in 1985. Craig’s expertise and dedication to his craft led him to become a Senior Member of the American Society of Appraisers and a certified Insurance Appraiser through the Jewelry Insurance Appraisal Institute.

Craig’s hobbies and interests were varied and wide-ranging. He had a deep love for the outdoors and adventure, becoming a certified scuba diver at the age of 15. He later pursued commercial deep-sea diving training at the Divers Training Academy in Florida and volunteered as a search-and-rescue diver. His love for adventure and service was always matched by his sense of humor, and Craig was known for his endless “dad jokes” that never failed to bring laughter to any room.

Craig’s life was a testament to his unwavering faith, his dedication to his family, and his joyful, fun-loving nature. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and love that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A funeral service to celebrate Craig’s life will be held on Monday, December 2nd, at 4:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 214 W Grovers, Phoenix, Arizona, 85023.

Flowers or Donations may be sent to Sunland Memorial Park Mortuary, 15826 Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, Arizona 85351.