James Stephen “Steve” Craig passed in the early morning hours of Jan. 24, 2026 at age 74 at HopeWest hospice. Steve was born on April 23, 1951 to Audra Marie Roberts Craig and James Atkins Craig at Mesa Memorial Hospital in Grand Junction, CO.

Steve was a devoted family man in his role as son, grandson, cousin, husband, father and brother. He was a friend to many. Steve did have two vices – chocolate and Pepsi.

He was preceded in death by both parents and all four grandparents. Survivors include his wife Karen Hartmann Craig of Grand Junction (the love of his life), son John Hartmann Craig of Grand Junction (wife Lily, daughters Hannah and Daphne), and daughter Susan Craig Niemczyk of Chicago, IL (husband Mike, son Milo and daughter Zotia). He also leaves behind his aunt Judy Roberts Nelson of Henryetta, OK; brother Daniel C. Craig (wife Elaine) of Palisade, CO; and several cousins in Oklahoma, Texas and Oregon.

Steve graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1969, from Mesa Junior College in 1971, and Colorado State University in 1974, with a major in philosophy. Steve and Karen were married on Dec. 23, 1980, having met via friends earlier that year. Steve worked for the City of Grand Junction for over 40 years in the Parks Department Golf Division, both at Lincoln Park and Tiara Rado. He was, during his teenage years, a softball scorekeeper and a play park supervisor for the city, as well.

He was a long-time runner and bike rider who participated in numerous local events over the years. He was an avid reader, had an excellent sense of humor, and was very witty as well. For years, Steve had a Saturday night radio show on KAFM community radio. He exclusively featured The Grateful Dead, and his favorite song was “Brokedown Palace.” Steve was an avid Broncos fan. He was known to have gone into a closet during John Elway’s era of fourth quarter comebacks.

Karen and excellent home health care worker Stella Williams helped Steve through the last several months of his life. The family would like to thank Stella and the HopeWest staff for their exceptional care and compassion.

A celebration of Steve’s life will take place at Brown’s Funeral Home, 7th and Teller in Grand Junction, at 10:00 a.m. on April 23. In lieu of flowers, please remember Steve with a donation to HopeWest.