C. James Krafft, former physician at Fronske Health Center, died May 1, 2011, in Flagstaff. He was 88.
Dr. Krafft was born in Eliasville, Tex., on March 15, 1923. He graduated from Marmion College Preparatory Academy in Daytona Beach, Fla., earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and attended medical school at the University of Illinois.
Dr. Krafft enlisted in the U.S. Navy, served in both World War II and the Korean War and ascended to the rank of Lieutenant.
After his military service, Dr. Krafft opened a private pediatrics practice in Dallas, Tex, embarking on a career that would span 55 years. He moved to Flagstaff in 1985 and served as the physician at NAU’s Fronske Health Center until 1993. After leaving NAU, Dr. Krafft served as medical director at a methadone clinic in Flagstaff until his retirement.
Dr. Krafft was a devout Christian and honorary elder at Canyon Chapel in Flagstaff. He also was a member of the Christian Medical and Dental Society and served as the organization’s first president when it was founded in 1944.
Dr. Krafft is survived by his wife, Joy; daughters Gretchen and Kaisa; son Marcus; and grandchildren Sasha, Justin, Hana and Brooke.
A private ceremony will be held at Citizens Cemetery Veterans Section. A public memorial will be held at 1 p.m., Sat. May 2, at Canyon Chapel, 1919 N. Fourth St., in Flagstaff.
Condolences may be sent to the family through Lozano’s Flagstaff Mortuary.