James Edward Craven, III

Jay was born to Verna Mae McDonald and James Edward Craven, Jr. in New Orleans in 1941.

He is survived by his loving wife Mary Morris Craven of 55 years. Jay was a proud father of two daughters and one son, as well as grandfather to seven grandchildren, whom he considered flawless.

After graduating from Jesuit High School in New Orleans in 1959, his life became one of service. He worked at New Orleans Public Service, was in the US Army National Guard, and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division. Later, he launched his career in the oil and gas industry. While working full time at Amoco Production Corporation, he diligently pursued a degree. In 1989 he achieved that dream: he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Administration and Management from Columbia Pacific University. Jay was transferred to Houston in 1989 and after investing 33 years with Amoco, he left to pursue an active, robust retirement.

His roots in Catholicism ran deep; the spark was ignited early in life and his desire of attending mass never wavered. A devout man of faith and principles, Jay became a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Richmond.

Although Jay’s residence switched from Louisiana to Texas, his heart remained loyal to New Orleans. One of his favorite pastimes while living in New Orleans was driving his 1974 Corvette to the Lakefront. Listening to his favorite oldies, Jay relished the time spent with family and friends. He had a soft spot for each of his dogs, but his German Shepherds – Gidget and Duke – stole his heart as Jay often took them along for the ride to the Lakefront.

Jay loved boiling seafood; he loved crabbing at the Lakefront with friends and gathering with family and friends at crawfish boils. Hosting BBQs was also high on his list; everyone loved Jay’s ribs. He never tired of playing a few rounds of golf while living in New Orleans or celebrating holidays in Richmond with his entire family.

Jay’s love for the water did not stop at his drives out to the Lakefront. In his retirement, he enjoyed taking his kids and grandkids to Gulf Shores for many summer vacations which made for lasting memories. Having the time to help raise his grandchildren filled him with unsurpassed joy.

And then there was Jay’s demonstrable passion for LSU football. When asked to name his greatest accomplishments, he might have said it was watching his three children graduate from LSU.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents. He was loving father of Sandra Craven Lamb (Michael Lamb), Dr. James Edward Craven IV (Courtney Craven), and Cathy Craven Miller (William Miller). Brother of Marjorie Craven Wild (widow of Raymond S. Wild, Sr.), Verna Craven Bridgewater (widow of Robert D. Bridgewater), and Daniel Joseph Craven (Claudette Craven).

Adoring grandfather of Catherine Nicole Lamb, Elizabeth DeAnne Lamb, Madelyn Mary Miller, Macy Elizabeth Miller, Max Craven Miller, Ellie Kate Craven and Jacob Edward Craven.

The family has been enriched by the outpouring of love and notes of condolences from friends in Richmond and New Orleans.

All are cordially invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA, on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 2:00PM. Visitation begins at noon, and interment will follow the mass at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.

The family also invites you to join them as they celebrate Jay’s extraordinary life. Please express your thoughts, share your favorite memories, or leave words of encouragement at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.