CRAIG, JAMES

James Edward Craig was born on December 27, 1981 in Spokane to Joel and Phyllis Craig and lived in Cusick before moving to Hollywood, South Carolina in 1996. James was an honor student, an accomplished musician, and a two-sport athlete excelling in both football and wrestling at Academic Magnet High School in North Charleston where he graduated from in 2000.  

James, a thrill seeker from an early age, once flew his dirt bike over the barn roof at 12 years old. According to his father Joel, “I saw the motorcycle flying through the air with him on it”.  James loved his Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart and served his country with dignity and honor. James lived by the motto "No Reserves, No Regrets, No Retreats". 

Upon graduating from high school, James joined the U.S. Army and was trained at Fort Benning, Ga., before being stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, where he became a sniper. After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, SGT Craig requested to be transferred to a unit that would see action overseas. He was then assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. SGT Craig married the love of his life Natalie in July 2007, prior to him leaving on his third deployment to Iraq in December of that same year.  

During his last deployment in Iraq, SGT Craig was involved in a firefight during which his body armor stopped four rounds from enemy rifle fire, and Joel recalled James saying “I’m no hero, Dad. We all do the same thing every day.” SGT Craig was killed in action on January 28, 2008, along with four other Soldiers from the 4 Infantry Division, when a roadside improvised explosive device destroyed their vehicle.  

SGT Craigs awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (x4), Army Good Conduct Medal (x2), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and both the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Expert Infantryman Badge.  

SGT Craig was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, posthumously.  

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SGT James Craig for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. His life continues to inspire all who learn his story.