Dr. James New Craigie: Loris
1931 – 2024
Dr. James New Craigie of Loris passed away on Saturday, June 22, at McLeod Seacoast hospital. He was 93.
Born April 19, 1931, in Buffalo, New York, he was the son of the late James Oswald Craigie and the late Helen New Craigie
Dr. Craigie attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, before going on to earn his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. in 1957. He then completed an internship followed by his residency at Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo, New York, in 1962. That same year, he moved to South Carolina, joined the medical staff of Loris Community Hospital and established his practice, Loris Surgical Associates.
Dr. Craigie served as Chief of Surgery at Loris Community Hospital from 1962 until 1991. During this time he was also on the South American Mission Board of Directors (1970-1985), South Carolina Medical Association Delegate (1992-1994) and served as Vice President of the Horry County Medical Society (1986). In 1984, Dr. Craigie became the first physician to be appointed to the Loris Community Hospital Board of Commissioners, replacing Commissioner E.E. Prince. Dr. Craigie served on the Board of Commissioners until 2005.
During his tenure, Dr. Craigie was also very active in professional societies such as American Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, South Carolina Medical Association, Horry County Medical Society, and the Society of Laporendoscopic Surgeons.
In 1998, Dr. Craigie’s dedication, loyalty, and compassion for Loris Healthcare System, his patients, and his community, was made evident to him when he was selected Physician of the Year by medical staff and employees, as well as Citizen of the Year by Loris Chamber of Commerce. In 2001, the South Carolina Hospital Association awarded Dr. Craigie with the Distinguished Hospital Trustee of the Year award.
Dr. Craigie retired from private practice in 2004. Although he made the decision to leave the operating room, Dr. Craigie did not leave the healthcare system. He assumed the role of Vice President of Medical Affairs; a position he held with McLeod Seacoast until his retirement.
In addition to the many roles he has filled in his medical career here, Dr. Craigie has been just as active in the community. He has served as a member of the local Jaycees and of the Lewis Sikes Foundation Board, based in Tabor City, which contribute to student scholarships as well as events throughout North and South Carolina such as the Loris Bog Off and Tabor City Yam Festivals. He was a long time member of the Southeastern Oratorio Society which travels across the Carolinas performing classical music, a love of his.
Dr. Craigie was a member of the choir at the First Presbyterian Church of Loris, where he also served as an Elder. Dr. Craigie traveled abroad lending his expertise on mission trips with South American Mission Society.
Survivors include his three children, Karen Rich (Greg), Janel Dagon (Russell), and Dr. James E. Craigie (Diane); six grandchildren, Will Rich, Abby Rich (Patrick), Connor Craigie, Rusty Dagon, Riley Dagon, and Caroline Craigie; and a sister, Mary Ann Evans.
In addition to his parents, Dr. Craigie was predeceased by his wife, Shirley Ann O’Dell Craigie; and his brother, John Craigie.
Visitation was planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 28, at Hardwick Funeral Home; and again from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 29, at Loris First Presbyterian Church.
Funeral services were planned for noon Saturday, June 29, at Loris First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Dr. Tim Osment officiating, committal services following at Anderson Cemetery.
Family requests that memorial donations be made to the Loris First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 425, Loris, SC 29569, or to the charity of one’s choice.
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