James M, 76, of Laramie passed away Monday, April 23, 2018 at Ivinson Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer. His humor, deep love of family, and faith in God were present from the beginning to the very end of his life. Jim was born February 25, 1942 in Laramie to Thomas and Edna (Kassis) Craven. He attended Saint Lawrence Catholic School where lifelong friendships were established. When he wasn’t helping at the family clothing business “Kassis” Jim could be found working on cars in numerous garages around town. After graduating from Laramie High School his passion for cars continued into drag racing where he was reputed as one of the region’s top racers, holding track records with hot rods that he and his friends built. Jim’s early employment was with Burman Motors. He met Carolyn Roberts, who became his wife on November 23, 1963. He and Carolyn continued racing cars together. Their love for each other grew, as did their family, with the birth of their children Michael, Sherry and Jeffery. Carolyn developed Multiple Sclerosis early in their marriage and became completely dependent on Jim for her care. During this difficult life transition, Jim continued to provide for his family working full time at the University of Wyoming Athletic Department. His care and love for Carolyn and his children was endless. Later in their marriage, Jim and Carolyn could be seen all over town with their children and their grandchildren and their loving dogs in “Carolyn’s Cruizer”, the customized handicap van donated to them by their many caring friends and family. Whether it be Mass on Sundays or Friday night pizza with lifelong friends, Jim provided his wife with a life that could only be achieved through countless acts of patience, caring and love. Through it all Jim maintained his sense of humor, his genuine care for others, his strong faith in God, and his uniquely amazing personality. Their bond of marriage and love lasted their lifetimes. His example of selfless love has been handed down to his children, to his grandchildren, and shared with the many people who knew him. The number of people that have been, and will be touched by Jim’s life and his legacy of love and caring for others cannot be counted. An amazing, wonderful person left this earth, and Heaven gained a beautiful soul. We love you dad.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Edna, brothers Dickie and Tom Jr, and his wife, Carolyn.
He is survived by his son Mike and his wife Brita of Rapid City, SD; daughter Sherry Reynolds and her husband Dan of Laramie, WY; son Jeff of Fort Collins, CO; and nine grandchildren Presley, Avery, Michael Jr, and Finley Craven; Taylor, Darryn and Kara Reynolds; and Corey and Bailey Craven; his brother Ken of Palisade, CO; sister-in-law Linda Craven, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews, and great great nieces/nephews. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Raymond Roberts of Tulsa, OK.
Vigil and Rosary Service will be Thursday, April 26 at 5:30pm at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church, and the Funeral Liturgy will be Friday at 10:00am at Saint Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church. Pallbearers will be Butch Beman, Jim Trabing, Donnie Hansen, Tom Wilson, Dr. Comly, and Dennis Cook.
Inurnment will take place Saturday, April 28 at 10:00am at Greenhill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Saint Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church and the Alpine Animal Hospital Clinic, whose wonderful staff so lovingly cared for the many “best furry friends” of Jim and Carolyn throughout their lives.
44 Comments To "James M. Craven"
#1 Comment By Jude & Rudi Michalak On April 24, 2018 @ 3:14 pm
Sherry & Family,
Sending you our heartfelt condolences on your loss.
#2 Comment By Sherry On April 24, 2018 @ 10:42 pm
Thank you so much Jude??
#3 Comment By Dan Petroski On April 25, 2018 @ 5:18 am
Jim was the best
#4 Comment By Sherry On April 25, 2018 @ 6:33 am
Indeed…..thank you Dan 🙂
#5 Comment By Doug Lind On April 25, 2018 @ 7:21 am
My condolences to Jim’s family. We grew up together, the best of friends in our early years. Jim, Ted Rose, Gail Boyd and I. I will miss you.
#6 Comment By Sherry On April 26, 2018 @ 6:18 am
Thank you 🙂 ……the lifelong friendships were so special to dad 🙂
#7 Comment By Janet Knight On April 25, 2018 @ 7:39 am
What a wonderful man to watch the love he had caring for his wife while she was sick. He was always happy and proud to be by her side. Rest in peace Mr. Craven, you had the most wonderful smile too.
#8 Comment By Sherry On April 26, 2018 @ 6:19 am
<3 …..thank you 🙂
#9 Comment By Karen Azevedo On April 25, 2018 @ 8:50 am
Sherry and family,
Sending love and hugs.
#10 Comment By Sherry On April 26, 2018 @ 6:19 am
thank you so much Karen 🙂
#11 Comment By Margo Clabo On April 25, 2018 @ 9:04 am
Gentle hugs to you all. Your dad left a beautiful legacy.
#12 Comment By Sherry On April 26, 2018 @ 6:20 am
thank you Margo 🙂
#13 Comment By Janet-Lee & Mary On April 25, 2018 @ 9:19 am
Sherry, I hope the wonderful memories of your Dad will help carry you through this most difficult time. Sending you and yours sincere condolences.
#14 Comment By Sherry On April 26, 2018 @ 6:22 am
Thank you Janet-Lee and Mary…….there are indeed so many wonderful things to hold in my heart right now, and yes, memories are one of them 🙂
#15 Comment By Mike Sharum On April 25, 2018 @ 12:43 pm
Jim Craven was a great man, and will truly be missed by the many people whose lives he touched. RIP Mr. Craven, and my sincerest condolences to your family.
#16 Comment By Sherry On April 26, 2018 @ 7:40 am
Thank you so much Mike …indeed he was, and yes he will ?
#17 Comment By Maureen Capps On April 25, 2018 @ 2:11 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss Sherry & family. Prayers for strength & comfort for you all.
#18 Comment By Sherry On April 26, 2018 @ 7:41 am
Thank you so much Maureen ?
#19 Comment By Lisa H Calle On April 25, 2018 @ 2:49 pm
My dear Sherry, I am so sorry for your loss. Hold on to your memories as they will help you through. Sending you all my love.
#20 Comment By Sherry On April 26, 2018 @ 7:42 am
Thank you Lisa ??
#21 Comment By Ryan Fulton On April 25, 2018 @ 2:50 pm
Mike, Sherry and Jeff…….It has been many years, but my thoughts of you take me back to fond memories at LHS. Your loss saddens me as I offer you my sincere condolences. Ryan Fulton
#22 Comment By Sherry On April 26, 2018 @ 7:43 am
Thank you so much Mike …indeed he was, and yes he will ?
#23 Comment By Sherry On April 26, 2018 @ 2:26 pm
Mr Fulton ????….thank you so very much!!?…..after all these yrs you will always be “mr. Fulton…..and its so nice to hear from you?
#24 Comment By Puls Family On April 25, 2018 @ 3:03 pm
Sherry, you and your family are in our thoughts! I will miss making candied Yams for him at Thanksgiving!
Kim, Gary & Keeley
#25 Comment By Sherry On April 26, 2018 @ 12:50 pm
?….yes indeed Kim?…thank you so much!
#26 Comment By Annie Romero On April 25, 2018 @ 5:10 pm
I was so sorry to read your posts. This tribute is wonderful. What amazing parents you had Sherry. Love and Prayers coming your way.
#27 Comment By Sherry On April 26, 2018 @ 12:51 pm
Aw Annie…thank you so much?….I was truly blessed.?
#28 Comment By Vicki Barrett Delgado On April 26, 2018 @ 4:31 am
My thoughts and prayers are with all family and friends, I am sorry for your loss. Jim was my supervisor and a good friend, he was the best of us. I’m grateful and priviledged to know him. Enjoy where you are good friend for you made my place here a better one.
#29 Comment By Sherry On April 26, 2018 @ 12:52 pm
Thank you so much Vicki?
#30 Comment By Wanda Myers On April 26, 2018 @ 4:46 am
What a beautiful legacy your dad left Sherry. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Prayers of peace and comfort for all of you.
#31 Comment By Sherry On April 26, 2018 @ 12:53 pm
He did indeed Wanda….thank you?
#32 Comment By Nancy Mickelson On April 26, 2018 @ 12:06 pm
Jeff, Mike and Sherry, Please know that the Mickelson and Gregory families send our sincere condolence to you all. We have many great memories of your parent during our baseball years and years at St. Laurence School with our children. They were both amazing people. Your dad was a caring and thoughtful man-always with a smile on his face. He will be missed. He used to tell of drag racing down our road in west Laramie and I think my dad-Vern Trabing-got after those racing boys a time or two! We wish we could be with you in Laramie at this time, but can’t. Our thoughts and prayers are with you-share those happy memories and God Bless you all. Nancy & Jim Mickelosn
#33 Comment By Rhonda Lund On April 26, 2018 @ 8:12 pm
Mike, Sherry and Jeff, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. My parents and your family had many wonderful times together. Adjusting to living in Laramie would have been much harder for my parents if not for your family! Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Rhonda (Waikel) Lund
#34 Comment By Ellen Roylance Dvorak and Michelle Roylance Bol On April 26, 2018 @ 8:49 pm
Jim was the best. A devoted husband, loving father, terrific friend and a guy that you could always look to for a smile and to help brighten your day. He made time for everyone even though he was one of the busiest guys I knew. Whether it was a football game at Deti Stadium, a mass at St. Laurence, an event at LHS or a community gathering Jim was there at Carolyn’s side and we all knew the event was complete with them present. We will all miss him but we take comfort in knowing that he and Carolyn are together again laughing and loving each other and watching over all of their family that they were so proud of.
#35 Comment By Wayne and Toni Turcato On April 27, 2018 @ 10:10 am
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of dear Jim. He and your mom were an inspiration to the entire community. His caregiving to your mother was a true act of a husband’s love for his wife. God Bless You All.
#36 Comment By Anonymous On April 27, 2018 @ 10:38 am
I had the honor of being one of the doctors and friends of Jim( aka known to me as “Ferdinan” for reasons that will go unmentioned). He was one of the nicest men I have ever known. Always made me laugh even when he was not feeling well. I was blessed to know him. I wish more people could be like him. The world would be a much nicer place. I am sure that he is in heaven and since I will need prayers and intercession to get there I think I will list him as a saint and ask him for help!.
To the family I know that this is hard for you but just think he and Carolyn are now together again and having a great time. May God Bless you in this time of sorrow.
Sincerely
Mike Comly
#37 Comment By Rhonda (Peanut) Chesnut Berger On April 28, 2018 @ 9:23 am
I remember Jim from a very young age. He & our brother Jim Chesnut considered Jim as a VERY close family friend. I remember from about 6 years old being in the midst of all “the motorheads”. And a lot of times, probably under foot, but “our” Jim’s we’re always so kind & patient. Prayers and love to all of you, I know the hurt you’re feeling, but I can’t even imagine the reunion in Heaven ?
#38 Comment By Anonymous On April 28, 2018 @ 12:41 pm
Condolences from the O’Flannigan’s. What a great man. What a great family. John O
#39 Comment By Mike Shingleton On April 28, 2018 @ 7:46 pm
Sorry for your loss. Jim was a great guy.
#40 Comment By Chuck Gorski On May 1, 2018 @ 5:17 pm
So sorry to hear about your loss. Jim and all the Cravens were the best neighbors we could have wished for. I traveled a lot and it was good to know such great folks were watching over mine while I was gone. I hope there are lots of hot rods in Heaven, I’m sure there are no wheel chairs. All the best from the Gorskis.
#41 Comment By Rob Roe On May 3, 2018 @ 11:16 am
It seems like yesterday that I was working with Jim at UW. Many great memories during that short time I was around him . His humor was amazing and he was just an all around great guy! He will be missed. My condolences to all the family and sorry for your loss.
#42 Comment By Stephanie Carter On May 3, 2018 @ 10:11 pm
Our deepest condolences. Heart broken for each and everyone of you. Find peace that he is with our King.
The Barry Carter Family
#43 Comment By John and Kathleen Holbert On May 5, 2018 @ 10:59 am
Just learned last night from our daughter Diahann about Jim’s passing and wanted to add our names to a long list of people with wonderful memories of Jim and Carolyn. We had so much fun with them during John’s college years and then they were there giving us a hand when our kids were born. Beautiful people! Heaven welcomed him with open arms. John and Kathleen Holbert
#44 Comment By Ron Willis On May 11, 2018 @ 12:56 pm
I worked with Jim on the Field House crew years ago, such a nice man and hard worker. So sorry for your loss.