It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing ofJackKraft (James Nicholas Kraft), age 82 on January 13, 2025 of Parkinson’s. He was a beloved husband, father, uncle and friend.

Jack was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Wallace and Helen (Brown)Kraft and graduated from Lake Minnetonka High School in 1960. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and graduated in 1964 with a degree in Engineering.

After earning his wings in Pensacola, Florida, Jack flew A-4s operating aboard the carriers USS ROOSEVELT (CVA-42) and USS SHANGRI LA (CVA-38) on cruises in the Mediterranean Sea. He attended Naval Postgraduate School, in Monterey, California, where he earned Masters of Science Degrees in both Aeronautical Engineering and Management. In June 1972, he reported to VAQ-129 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA as an EA-6B Instructor Pilot. In July 1974, he attended the US Navy Test Pilot School and served as a Test Pilot at NATC Patuxent River, Maryland through May 1977. Commander Kraft then served on the COMFAIRWESTPAC Staff at NAF Atsugi, Japan as the Navy Plant Representative at Japan Aircraft Company.

Upon release from active duty in May 1980, Commander Kraft affiliated with the Naval Reserves at NARU Whidbey Island. He was employed by the Boeing Company as an Engineering Test Pilot and enjoyed the short-term travel. He retired from the Navy in 1996 with the rank of Captain and from the Boeing Company in 2003.

In retirement, Jack enjoyed traveling the world on cruises and in the good, old USA in his 42-foot, 2003 Country Coach Motor Home. He was a devoted SNOWBIRD spending winters in Arizona with his wife and summers in Oak Harbor, WA. He often said, “Snow is good in a photo, ice is good in a drink.” He loved his trips to New Zealand (twelve total) and Australia.

Jack was a devoted Catholic and was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He was an Elk and served on the Secretary of the Navy’s Veterans Affairs Committee. He received many awards throughout his career such as Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Medal and 2 Navy Overseas Service Ribbons. Jack is survived by his wife Delores and two sons, Jimmy Kraft, Oak Harbor and Christopher Kraft of Seattle. Jack always said, “Be sure to tell your loved ones how much you care for them every day. You never know when the angels will take them away.”

We wish to thank Regency Memory Care in Oak Harbor, WA and Hospice of Whidbey for their kind, loving care of Jack. They are very special to us.

Rosary will be held at Wallin-Stucky Funeral Home in Oak Harbor, WA. on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 3-5.

Mass will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church at 10 AM Friday, Jan. 31 with burial at Tahoma National Cemetery on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 at 12:30 PM, please arrive by 12:00.