James “Hugger” Dell Craig, 79, of Wittenberg, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Autumn Lane in Birnamwood under the care of LeRoyer Hospice.
Jim was born Oct. 19, 1946, in New London, to Edward and Irene Orpha (Button) Craig. He was the third of five children: Joan Dumbleton, Jock Craig, Janice Jones and Jill Brown. His early years were spent in Royalton, where he, Jan and Jill spent countless hours enjoying the local river.
Jim graduated from Tomorrow River High School in 1964. Much of his adult life was spent working as a cook at various area restaurants. He later worked for 21 years as a nursing assistant at the Wisconsin Veterans Home, retiring in 2001. Shortly after retirement, Jim moved to the Wittenberg area, where he lived in the apartment located behind the home of his sister, Jan.
Before suffering a stroke in March 2009, Jim was an avid singer who enjoyed performing at weddings and local events. He was a longtime member of the Waupaca Community Chorus. Music remained one of his greatest passions, and he enjoyed concerts, playing the piano and taking Suzuki violin lessons. Jim also found joy in fishing, gardening, volunteer work, sewing for charity and competing in floral arranging.
Jim is survived by his sisters, Jan (Tom) Jones and Jill (Phillip) Brown; sister-in-law, Pat Craig; special niece, Sharon Rustad; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Joan (Larry) Dumbleton and Jock Craig; and his niece and nephew, Erika Jones and Jacob Craig.
A visitation will be held beginning at 11 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, at Schmidt and Schulta Funeral Home in Wittenberg. A short service will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon. Private burial will take place at Crystal Lake Cemetery in Waupaca County.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to a charity of your choice be made in honor of Jim.
The family would like to thank the staff at Autumn Lane and LeRoyer Hospice for their kind and compassionate care given to Jim.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at www.schmidtschulta.com.
