With unbearable sadness and a focus on compassion, we must share that a 79-year-old resident of Wittenberg, Wisconsin, died peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Autumn Lane in Birnamwood under the care of LeRoyer Hospice.
James Dell Craig, known affectionately as Hugger, was born on October 19, 1946, in New London, Wisconsin, to Edward and Irene Orpha (Button) Craig. He grew up in Royalton as the third of five children. No cause of death beyond his full age has been publicly released.
Craig spent much of his adult life working as a cook in area restaurants. Later, he committed 21 years of service as a Nursing Assistant at the Wisconsin Veterans Home, retiring in 2001. His compassion and steady support for veterans defined this chapter and reflected his natural desire to help others. He earned the nickname Hugger through his kind and approachable nature.
Craig is survived by his siblings: Joan Dumbleton, Jock Craig, Janice Jones, and Jill Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents. No information about his marital status or children has been publicly released. He remained rooted in the values he learned early on, centered on hard work, family ties, and simple enjoyments.
No funeral arrangements have been publicly announced. The family has requested privacy. Craig formed genuine bonds with those around him, offering warmth and encouragement in quiet, meaningful ways. Family and friends remember how his presence brought comfort and how he lived with sincerity and a good heart.
Craig was 79 years old. He cooked in restaurants, cared for veterans at the Wisconsin Veterans Home, and was known as Hugger. Those are the details his loved ones are sharing as they mourn. Anyone wishing to honor his memory may reach out to the family through LeRoyer Hospice. No additional information about his life or survivors has been released.
