James C. Crago's Obituary
James “Jim” Courtney Crago, 80, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on April 16, 2026. He was born on August 17, 1945, in Muskegon, Michigan to Richard “Red” and Winifred (Dymond) Crago. He grew up in the Lakeside area, where he spent his entire life. He graduated from Muskegon High School in 1964 and worked as a pipefitter and Chief Steward at S.D Warren/Sappi paper mill for 32 years. He was known for his famous moped rides to work, donning his yellow hard hat and milk crate in tow. He was a member of Lakeside/Lake Harbor United Methodist Church, where he met and married the love of his life, Kathy Vinton, on February 22, 1969. They spent 57 wonderful years together.
Jim was centered in his immediate and extended Lakeside family. From his childhood home on Moon St. to his 50 years on Crozier Ave, family was always #1. His moped could be found parked at his parents’ or sisters’ houses for a visit or tinkering in the garage with his brother Dick. For his kids and grandkids, he was a constant presence at concerts and athletic events. The grandkids cherished their overnight hotel/pool/dinner buffets with grandpa and grandma where they could always eat dessert first. He was so proud of his Sunday family dinner tradition that lasted more than 30 years. Jim loved camping trips with siblings, kids, and grandkids through the years, especially trips to the Wheatland Music Festival. Jim was the ultimate storyteller and prankster for the little ones. His “money machine” and stories about the famous “tomcat and mouse” at the paper mill were priceless and spanned generations.
Jim was a tremendous athlete and coach. He was renowned for his skills as a pitcher in men's fastpitch softball in the 70’s and 80’s, as well as his moves on the basketball court. He excelled at ping pong and played endless rounds of golf with papermill buddies and family through the years. He spent 20 years coaching softball with his son at Mona Shores where he influenced countless student athletes. His lessons on life and how to conduct yourself will last a lifetime.
Jim was known for his beautiful singing voice. He spent many nights as a young man with his friends Tom Zaloga and Dan Dion singing and playing folk songs. He sang for countless events, weddings, funerals, and spent several years in the Muskegon Chamber Choir. Music was always a part of family gatherings and car rides. He will be sorely missed for his big personality, infectious smile, generous spirit, gift of gab, quick wit, and his love of life.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy; three children: Jason (Amy Fodrocy-Crago) Crago, Lori Crago, and Sara (Michael) Golliver; eight grandchildren: Kaylie, Kellie (Kirk), Isabelle, Ava, Trevor, Alden, Parker, Hannah; two great grandchildren, Belle and Jameson; siblings, Dick (Alyce) Crago and Mary (Sam) Moler, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Winnie; sisters, Marge (Don) Mosher and Lois (Jim) Johnson; and great grandson Maddox Reed.
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held for James at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church, 4861 Henry St, Norton Shores, MI 49441. VISITATION will be held from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026, at The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 1547 W Sherman Blvd, Muskegon, MI, 49441, as well as an hour prior to the service on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Muskegon Rescue Mission or the Harbor Hospice Foundation. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories at https://sytsemafh.com
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