James Alfred Craine, United States Navy Veteran

James Craine was born August 12, 1947 in Temple, Texas and passed away June 18, 2011 in Temple at the age of 64.

James, who was known to all who knew him as "Monk" or "Uncle", served his country in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1969, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. After his service, he worked in the Health Care Industry for many years. His main concern was caring for the elderly, at which he was an expert.

James was also known as the "Richard Pryor" of his family, keeping everyone laughing. He loved his family, his friends and his kids dearly. James roamed the earth, living in Dallas and Austin, but, returned to his home of Temple, to make his departure.

Funeral services were held on July 18 at the Branford/Dawson Funeral Home in Temple. Thereafter, interment services were held at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.

Awaiting the arriving family and friends at the cemetery were fifty American flags, blowing in the Texas wind, and the Patriot Guard Riders. Also in attendance was the Honor Guard of the United States Navy.

Military honors were rendered by the Honor Guard, including the playing of taps by the Navy bugler. The American flag that draped the casket was folding into the traditional triangle and presented to James' family on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Navy and a grateful nation for his years of dedicated service.

The service concluded with the playing of Amazing Grace by the Patriot Guard Riders Bag Piper.

James Alfred Craine was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery. Left to cherish his memory are two daughters, one son, the mothers of his children, two sisters, one brother, his father, twelve grandchildren, one great-grandchild and many other dear friends and relatives.

He himself has said,
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Hebrews 13:5

Amongst the gathered family and friends was an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen, who requested to have his photo taken with two of the Patriot Guard Riders.


http://www.tuskegeeairmen.org/


With thanks to the Branford/Dawson Funeral Chapel for biographical information.