John Jack Craig

John “Jack” Edward Craig passed away peacefully with family by his side at on October 29, 2014 at Greater Regional HCI Hospice, Creston, Iowa, at the age of ninety-two years, seven months and one day.
Jack was born March 28, 1922 in New Castle, Pennsylvania to Mildred I. (Farrell) and Edward J. Craig. Jack was married in earlier years and was blessed with one daughter, Dalene Adair.
Jack lived and worked throughout most of his adult life in California. Jack graduated from Hunington Park High School, Hunington Park, California in 1940. He completed coursework at the University of Southern California, as well as throughout his career in the aircraft industry. He worked as a lifeguard, a fireman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and as an inspector and draftsman for the manufacturing industry. As a young man in California, Jack loved to surf, scuba dive and fish. He also loved all modes of transportation. Jack built, owned, and raced motorcycles. He loved vintage cars and as was reflected in his career, Jack loved airplanes.
On January 2, 1978, Jack was married in Loveland, Colorado to Phyllis Lomicka, formerly of Creston, Iowa. Jack worked for Northrop Aircraft Corporation for over thirty years. He traveled extensively across the country and served as a consultant for the aircraft manufacturing industry. Jack worked on aircraft projects considered top secret and required extensive security clearance, a fact his family was very proud of. Jack and his wife Phyllis both retired from the aircraft industry in California in the mid-1980’s, and moved to Creston, Iowa to enjoy their retirement.
Left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory are his daughter: Dalene (George) Merrill, Auburn, CA; his step-daughters: Cheryl Eblen, Creston; and Lynn Swanson, Creston; Grandchildren: Austin Merrill, Auburn, CA; Lorie (Todd) Woodard, Urbandale, IA; Amy VanScoy, Creston, IA; Christine Sherrod, Creston, IA; and Mike (Alexis) Swanson, Orient, IA; sisters-in-law: Virginia Schoenhair, Altoona, IA; and Lena (John) Maroney, Pueblo, CO; as well as eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Richard A. Hinkson; his step-brother, Richard Hinkson; and his wife Phyllis Craig.