Jay Wayne Craig

Jay Wayne Craig, 50, a native of Salem, VA, passed away on September 11, 2013. He lived and worked in Charleston, WV, for a number of years before returning to Salem to be near family after being diagnosed with cancer. Born on May 28, 1963, Jay attended Salem High School where he was president of the student body in his senior year and attended Boys State in Richmond, Virginia. He attended Roanoke College where he was president of the Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity, meeting friends who became lifelong brothers. During his years at Roanoke, Jay worked for the late Ray Robrecht, a Salem attorney. He transferred to Virginia Tech where he received a B.A. in Economics and his J.D. from West Virginia University. While attending law school he worked in the Provosts Office and interned at Ashland Oil Co. He practiced law both in private practice and for the Public Defender Services for the State of West Virginia and was currently Assistant Attorney General when taken ill. He was co-owner of Shamrock Stables & Boarding Kennels, Inc. in Charleston. Jay was an outdoorsman who loved to be at his cabin on the Greenbrier River. There, he loved to fish, ride his bike on the Greenbrier River Trail, hike, canoe and host barbeques for family and friends. Jay had a broad appreciation for music and enjoyed playing his guitar and mandolin. Jay was a successful five-year member of Alcoholics Anonymous, both in the Charleston and Salem chapters. The program was instrumental in his life and through it he was dedicated to helping others. Surviving are his father, J. Wayne Craig and his wife Laura, of Abingdon, VA; his mother, Brenda Weaver Craig of Salem; his two brothers, Bradley C. Craig, and wife Stacy, of Salem, and their children, Cameron, Andrew and Caroline, and Douglas E. Craig, and wife Mary, of Fairmont, WV, and their children, Madison, Claire and Clark. He is also survived by numerous aunts, great-aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lawrence W. Overstreet and Julia Harris Overstreet and Jack D. Weaver and Mary Snapp Weaver. Jay exemplified outstanding courage, strength and determination in his battle with cancer. He was supported by many good friends and medical professionals during his illness. The family wishes to thank Blue Ridge Cancer Care and their volunteers and Good Samaritan Hospice for the many kindnesses shown to Jay and his family during these months. A Celebration of Life service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Salem on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Stephen Bray officiating. Friends may visit with the family immediately after the service in the fellowship hall. In accordance with Jays wishes, his ashes will be scattered at the Greenbrier River in a service with family present. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Jays memory are invited to make a gift to Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018 or to a charity of your choice. John M. Oakey & Son in Salem is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.