James Edward Craigen Sr

On Behalf of Professor James (Jim) Edward Craigen, Senior - James (Jay), II & Dr. Rhea Craigen announce the peaceful transition of their beloved Father, which took place on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The family appreciates all the love and support by thoughtful words and/or deed provided to us during this difficult time. We kindly ask for your continued prayers as we prepare to celebrate his well lived life. Former Army 1st Lieutenant Officer and Retired Professor Emeritus James (Jim) Edward Craigen, Senior transitioned on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was born November 6, 1938 in Memphis, TN to the late Lorene and late Isaac (Buddy) Craigen, II. He was the middle child of three children born of this union (Order of birth): Peggy, James, and Isaac III, all who preceded James in death. He graduated Booker T. Washington (BTW) High School in 1956 located in Memphis, TN. James moved to Atlanta GA, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology rom Morris Brown College in 1960. He soon joined the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) at the behest of his Dean, Whitney M. Young, Jr. He continued his education at Atlanta University School of Social work receiving a Master of Social Work degree in 1962. After his graduation from AU, James enrolled in the U.S. Army Officer. Candidate School in Texas.... Upon completion of the program, he returned to Atlanta as Commissioned Officer, 2nd Lieutenant James E.Craigen. School of Social Work He concluded his military career as a 1st Lieutenant in1968. Professor James (Jim) Craigen, Senior was a Life Member - Alpha Phi Alpha ,Delta Lambda Chapter and later a member of Sigma PI Phi Fraternity,Gamma Boule. The list of accomplishments has been many; they include but are not limited to: Intitial member Chicago Chapter of NABSW, he also helped re-establish the Washington Dc Chapter;Member of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE;The Association for Community Organization and Social Administration (ACOSA) ;and Influencing State Policy (ISP).He was a School of Social Work Faculty and Executive Committee Member : Howard University Professor Emeritus: Chair of Micro and Marco Sequence, Faculty Senate Council Representative: Presidential Commission on Academic Renewal (PCAR) and service to numerous committees at the Howard University School of Social Work . During his 43 years at HU, his Servant Leadership footprint influenced hundreds of students, particularly, his graduate students and assistants. He was Chair of the Maryland Association of Social Service Boards; Co-Chair of Healthy Families/ Thriving Communities Coalition; Worked for the Church Association of Washington,D.C. and Member of Sister States Maryland with Kwazulu- Natat South Africa. James was President of Human Services Systems Associates, Inc,,a 501 (c) 3 non -profit organization founded in 1979;Vice President for Community Revitalization and Social Services for DADSRA Worldwide LLC and DADSRA Innovative Solutions . .Founding Board Member-Congressional Research Institute for Research and Policy (CRISP). Inaugural member -Howard County Foundation for Black Educational and Cultural Achievement. Former Member, Board of trustees, St John Baptist Church. Vice President of the Cathedral Choir ,St John Baptist Church . Former Member -DC United Way Regional Council .Member-Olton Singing Society of Baltimore ,Maryland. Member-Community Choir of Baltimore City Key Development Contributor Community ServicesWorkstation (CSN). James and his former-spouse, Ruth Jeanette Brookins met on the campus of Morris Brown College. James E. Craigen and Ruth Jeranetter Brookins had a Military Wedding at Fort McPherson Military Base in Atlanta, GA on August 24, 1963. James and Ruth Craigen had two children, James Edward Craigen, II (Jay) and Rhea Craigen. Both children graduated from Howard University, Jay acquired a B.S. in Mechanical Enginering. Rhea completed the HU BSMD program and went on to Case Western Reserve University for her Medical Training in Family Practice, becoming Dr. Rhea Craigen. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved companion Patricia (Pat) Smith. The two shared a love of domestic and international travel. Those left to cherish his memory: Former Spouse and Lifelong Friend: Ruth Craigen; Son, James E. Craigen II (Jay); Daughter/Son-in-law, Rhea Craigen, M.D. and Garth Daley. Granddaughters: Kai Daley; Jaelyn Craigen (Grace); Kayla Daley. Brother-in-Law: Lonnie Birdsong (Peggy); Sister-In-Law: Barbara Howard-Craigen (Isaac III); Godson::Dareus Smith. Nieces: Melanie Pleasants-Dooley (Tim); Adriane Nolan; Senita Craigen; Michelle Dawn Craigen; Nephew: Isaac Craigen, IV. Great Nephews: Richard Pleasants (Tara); LeMonique Pleasants; Jonathan Smith (Amy); Brandon Monroe, and Julian (Ray) Garcia. Great Nieces: Domonic Diaz-Smith (Kimberly); Monique Johnson; and Shannon Johnson. Great-Great Nephew: Joshua Pleasants. Great- Great Nieces: Corbyn Cash-Pleasants; Zamyiah Freeman-Pleasants; Great-Great-Great Nieces: Naomi Smith and Thaddeus Diaz-Smith. Plus, a host of loving extended family, friends and colleagues, whose life he touched over the span of his 85 years.

Tributes

James Edward Craigen Sr

November 6, 1938 - July 17, 2024