James Eugene "Jay" Craft

James Eugene Craft, affectionately known as Jay, was born on December 27, 1966, to Bennie Craft and Geraldine Oliver Craft. He transitioned peacefully on February 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and an unforgettable personality.

Jay was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Geraldine Oliver Craft; his daughter, Jasmine Janay Craft; and his brother, Christopher “Chris” Craft.

He leaves to cherish his memory his father, Bennie Craft; his children, Chris Chalk, Cheronda Blue, and Kyreecus Alexander; his siblings, Roderick (Peggy) Craft, Brittany Craft, and Brekita Craft; and a host of loving grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Jay also shared a particularly close bond with his cousin, William Rudolph “Rudy” Craft, Jr., whom he lovingly regarded as a brother.

Jay was a proud graduate of Hart County High School, Class of 1985, where he was actively involved in school activities, including the band and the basketball team. He attended DeVry Institute of Technology and then later attended Southern Technical Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, where he studied Computer Science.

A man of many passions, Jay was a devoted and outspoken fan of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team. He loved old-school music and could often be found passionately debating which artists, groups, or songs were the greatest of all time.

Jay was a natural-born salesman with unmatched confidence, knowledge, and charisma. Known for his gift of persuasion, it was often said he could “sell snow to an Eskimo.” Throughout his career, he worked with several well-known companies, including HH Gregg, Conn’s Furniture, Ashley Furniture, and Verizon Wireless. While at HH Gregg in Atlanta, Jay specialized in selling entertainment and sound systems and frequently worked with high-profile clients, including celebrities and professional athletes—an experience he truly enjoyed, often saying he had seen “the lifestyles of the rich and famous” up close.

Above all, Jay was a man of faith. He attended Flat Rock Church and later became a devoted member of Zion C.M.E Church, where he found strength, fellowship, and spiritual grounding.

Jay will be remembered for his sharp wit, contagious laugh, strong opinions, deep love for family, and unwavering faith. His presence filled rooms, and his absence will be felt deeply by all who knew and loved him.

Public viewing will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 1:00 - 5:00pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home - Hartwell Chapel. 

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 2:00pm, located at Flat Rock C.M.E. Church. 

We, the staff of Mack's Funeral Home kindly ask that you keep the Craft family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

You may express your condolences, sign the online guestbook, send flowers, or light a memorial candle in Mr. Craft's honor as a way to offer comfort and support to the family.

Arrangements for Mr. James Eugene "Jay" Craft have been entrusted to Mack's Funeral Home - Hartwell Chapel.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Eugene "Jay" Craft, please visit our floral store.