James Stephen “Steve” Craig passed away in the early morning hours of January 24, 2026, at HopeWest Hospice. He was 74 years old.

Steve was born on April 23, 1951, to Audra Marie Roberts Craig and James Atkins Craig at Mesa Memorial Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado. Steve was a devoted family man in every role he held: son, grandson, cousin, husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He was also a loyal friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his parents and all four of his grandparents.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Hartmann Craig of Grand Junction, the love of his life; his son, John Hartmann Craig of Grand Junction, his wife Lily, and their daughters Hannah and Daphne; and his daughter, Susan Craig Niemczyk of Chicago, Illinois, her husband Mike, and their children Milo and Zotia. He is also survived by his aunt, Judy Roberts Nelson of Henryetta, Oklahoma; his brother, Daniel C. Craig and wife Elaine of Palisade, Colorado; and several cousins in Oklahoma, Texas, and Oregon.

Steve graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1969, Mesa Junior College in 1971, and Colorado State University in 1974, where he majored in philosophy. Steve and Karen were married on December 23, 1980, after meeting through friends earlier that year.

Steve worked for the City of Grand Junction for more than 40 years in the Parks Department golf division, serving at both Lincoln Park and Tiara Rado. During his teenage years, he also worked for the city as a softball scorekeeper and Play Park supervisor.

Steve was a longtime runner and bicyclist who participated in numerous local events over the years. He was an avid reader with an excellent sense of humor and a quick wit. For many years, he hosted a Saturday night radio show on KAFM Community Radio, where he exclusively featured The Grateful Dead. His favorite song was “Brokedown Palace.” Steve was also a devoted Broncos fan and was known to retreat to a closet during the John Elway era’s fourth-quarter comebacks.

Karen, along with the 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 be held at 10:00 a.m. on April 23 at Brown’s Funeral Home, 7th and Teller, in Grand Junction.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Steve with a donation to HopeWest.