James Brian Craig (age 53) passed away surrounded by family and friends in Santa Monica, California on Sunday, November 10th. Brian is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Dessa, his children Jameson (25), Marshall (23), and Cora (20), his parents Larry and Mary Lou Craig, his sisters Angie Gursoy and Holly Toguchi, and their respective families.
J. Brian Craig is known throughout the world for his ability to bring the scriptures to life in song. Brian’s music has been sung for decades in worship services, midweeks, children’s ministry, youth camps, retreats, conferences, and wherever disciples of Jesus meet. Brian’s music can be found on YouTube and major music streaming platforms. He has written, recorded, and performed the following original and easily recognizable songs:
- Praises Heard Around the World
- Anchor for the Soul
- Great Among the Nations
- Be With Me, Lord
- I Need Your Love
- Home in Heaven
- Lead Me to the Rock
- Shadow of Your Wings
- Rejoice (Lift my Voice)
- By Faith
- A Faithful Witness
- Go and Make Disciples
- Here Am I Send Me
- Praise the Lord, O My Soul
- The Spirit’s Fire
- And so many more.
In addition to being a well-known singer-songwriter and worship leader, Brian served as an evangelist in the South Bay Church for many years and was also recognized as a teacher in the ICOC fellowship. He finished his undergraduate degree in Music from California State Dominguez Hills in 1996 and went on to receive a Masters of Science in Ministry from Pepperdine University in 2019.
Brian grew up in the Churches of Christ, where his parents, Larry and Mary Lou, served in the ministry in Florida and then Pueblo, Colorado. Larry continues to serve as an elder for the New York City Church of Christ. The Craig family moved from Pueblo to Denver in 1987 to join the work in the Denver Church of Christ. Brian became a disciple in their teen ministry in 1988. He graduated from Bear Creek High School in Denver in 1989 and in the fall began attending the University of Colorado, Boulder. It was during these early years that Brian’s music began to spill over into the Denver Church, with songs such as “Look Unto the Hills,” “As Strong As Death,” “Free from the Grave,” “Ashes to Glory,” and many more. It was also there that others began to take note of his talent. Brian and a handful of musicians and singers in the CU ministry won a Battle of the Bands in 1991 that was open to all bands and performers at CU Boulder! Clearly, God’s Spirit was working in the heart and mind of his humble instrument, Brian.
During his time in the CU campus ministry, he met his future wife Dessa Reid. In addition to all the worship songs Brian has written, he has also composed numerous love songs about their relationship. Brian and Dessa were married in March of 1993, having just moved to Los Angeles to be part of the mission team.
They remained in LA in what is now the South Bay Church (part of the Coastal LA region), where they served for more than 30 years, first while working full-time jobs outside of ministry and then as paid staff for nearly 25 years.
It’s difficult to fully quantify how Brian’s life has impacted the world for the sake of Christ. His music has been a beacon of light for so many. His original work has been translated and sung in countless languages and churches throughout the world. His gift of creating catchy melodies and lyrics has helped plant seeds of faith that continue to bear fruit in the hearts of many disciples of Jesus. His songs remind followers of Christ to hold onto the promises of God. And while his music is how most disciples know Brian, his gift of teaching and presenting God’s Word was just as earnest and profound as his music. Brian loved to create art, had a passion for science, and had a deep appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation. Brian is also well-known for his laughter and innate sense of humor. His joy, constant smiles, funny stories, and positive spirit will always be an inspiration to those who knew him best. All of these gifts will live on in the church, yet will be deeply missed in the person we knew and loved.
Brian had to have emergency brain surgery in early January 2023 and was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a very aggressive brain cancer. While the diagnosis was grim, Brian continued to defy the odds and stubbornly fought the progression of this cancer for almost two years. During this time, he allowed us into his fight, posted updates on his health, and inspired many with his courage and vulnerability. Brian continued to write and record original music. He also connected with many around the world who are suffering with terminal cancer, and ministered to them while remaining vigilant in his own health battle. He loved to walk with God and drew even closer to him during these past two years. His favorite places to connect with God were the cliffs and beaches throughout the South Bay, the South Coast Botanic Garden, and a hill near his home which he named “The Mount of the Lord’s Blessing.” He continued to draw strength from God’s Word and enjoyed the BibleProject podcast.
There is no doubt that Brian has a “Home in Heaven.” We are relieved that his earthly suffering has ended, yet we mourn deeply for the loss of such a gracious, faithful servant of God.
A memorial for J. Brian Craig is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th at 1:00 pm at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach CA. The service will be live-streamed on the South Bay Church YouTube channel for those who would like to join virtually.