Milt Craig

James Milton Craig “Milt” of Woodstock, Ga passed away at the age of 93 on November 29, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.
Milt was born to James Milton Craig, Sr and Flora Lou McKnight Craig on October 22, 1930 in Gaston county, NC. He earned his Eagle Scout award and represented the Piedmont Council, Boy Scouts of America, at the International Boy Scout world jamboree held in France in 1947. He graduated from McCallie Military Institute in Chattanooga, TN and earned his B.A from Davidson College in Davidson, NC in 1954. Milt served in the Korean war between 1954-1956 in the 29th tank BA, 3rd Army division.
After his military service, Milt taught history at Kentucky Military Institute for 2 years. He then attended Embry- Riddle Aeronautical Institute in Florida and became a commercial pilot. He was a corporate pilot in California for a few years before he began his career at the University of Illinois Institute of Aviation. He retired as the Manager of Flight Services for the University of Illinois after 30 years. During his career he taught Aviation and graduate courses on airplane safety. He transported passengers and had over 10,000 hours in flight. He was also an expert consultant investigating and testifying in court regarding aircraft accidents. After retirement from the University, Milt became a jet pilot for Vesuvius Corporation for 7 years until he fully retired at age 73.
Milt raised his family in Monticello, Illinois. He was a dedicated Christian and was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monticello where he taught Sunday school, served as an elder and sometimes preached on Sunday. In addition to his passions for airplanes and church, Milt also was an accomplished musician who had a great love for Bluegrass music. He was a founding member and fiddle player in 2 bands; The Cripple Creek Boys in Davidson, NC and High Cotton in Monticello IL.
Milt is survived by his loving wife Jane Edmunds Craig, his children Catherine Brewer (Don), Sarah Silva, Amy Marshall (Jay) and step children Brad Knop (Nancy), Nyra Miller (Roger), Everett Knop (Roberta), Brant Knop (Barbara), Rodney Knop (Rose), Twila Dodds (Michael) Jill Simmons (Bob), Nancy Yang (James), Charley Reeb (Brandy), his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Milt was predeceased by his parents, Milton and Flora, his sister Doris Lou Connell, and his first wife of 48 years, Evelyn Rose Craig.

 Milt will always be remembered for being kind and loving to everyone. While flying his airplane, he would say prayers over churches and schools and people on the ground. He truly wished the best for everyone in the world.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.