Craig Randall James

Craig was a unique individual with, as a colleague so eloquently put it, “a sense of humor and acerbic wit” always ready to share anecdotes and observations. He often remarked that although he was born on New Year’s Day “some other baby” beat him to the honor bestowed upon the first born in the new year, adding “I’m not bitter”. He embraced life with the same attitude and gregarious nature that drew him to meeting new people forming long lasting friendships.

Raised on a farm near West Liberty, Iowa he learned the value of hard work at a young age as did most Iowa farm boys of his generation. His grand-father Glen James was a Kent Feeds salesman and often took then five year old Craig along on his sales route. Craig learned about salesmanship watching his grand-father’s congenial demeanor and the art of making conversation with just about anyone. This experience guided him to later decide on pursuing a career outside farming.

Craig attended West Liberty Elementary & High Schools graduating in 1971. While still in elementary school, he took a keen interest in politics writing an insightful, albeit unique social studies paper on how to solve the country’s problems with Cuba and Vietnam. Those who knew him can attest to his continued interest in political events and his willingness to share his perspectives. During his tenure at WLHS he was active in band, football, drama and other activities. He was active in 4H raising Angus cattle for his projects. Upon graduation he attended Iowa State University and later the University of Iowa where he was a member of the Writers Workshop.

On July 2, 1976, he married Barbara Stewart in Riverside, Iowa. In 1979, they moved to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas where they found their home in Weslaco. Craig worked in advertising for various Valley newspapers. He eventually returned to college graduating from Pan American University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree Majoring in English and Minoring in History followed in 1988 by Master of Arts in English. He then began a career in education teaching English courses at Pan American University, South Texas Community College, University of Texas- Brownsville and finally at Texas State Technical College.

In 2002, Craig and Barbara purchased an acreage outside La Feria, Texas. When not teaching the two enjoyed exploring Texas, Colorado, 4 wheeling in the mountains of Mexico, motorcycling, a twenty-fifth anniversary trip to Scotland and Ireland. Most of all they enjoyed the company of their Winter Texas parents and numerous good friends across the Valley.

Craig retired from teaching in 2006 purchasing the Village Bottle Shop which he owned and operated until 2014 when he retired. During his retirement he enjoyed garde3ning, traveling and because of his gregarious nature the company of those he valued most. A friend remarked on hearing of Craig’s death, “The world is already a far more boring place today”

Craig’s parents Chad and Corinne James proceeded him in death. He is survived by his wife Barbara, brother Brian (Bonne) of Swisher, Iowa; his in –laws Bob and Betty Stewart of Riverside, Iowa; sister-in-law Sheri (Marty) Plecker of Ainsworth, Iowa; brother-in-law Robert (Marita) Stewart of Rangely, Colorado; nieces Jaclyn James of Ankeny, Iowa; Melanie (Josh) Harrison of North Liberty , Iowa; Tara (David Ruiz) Stewart of Iowa City, Iowa; nephews Tyler (Kim) James of Des Moines, Iowa; Nic (Megan) Plecker of Fairfax, Iowa; Stuart (Lindsay) Plecker of Riverside, Iowa; numerous cousins, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and friends.