James C. Craig was born April 2, 1849 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was a slave until 1862, at which time he followed the 23rd Michigan Regiment through the southern states, coming to Flint, Michigan in 1864. He went to Battle Creek, Michigan in 1868; Quincy, Michigan in 1870 and Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1871, where he went into the barbering business with Daniel Scott. Later he opened a successful shop of his own at the southwest corner of Canal (now Monroe) and Crescent.

Craig was well known in Colored Masonry. He was one of the founders of North Star Lodge, De Mar chapter and Golden Rule commandry; and he held many offices in these organizations, serving as the first eminent commander of Golden Rule. He was also Vice-President at the Colored Citizens State Convention.

In 1874 Craig married Mary E. Buckner (the daughter of Eliza and John Buckner) of Battle Creek, They had three daughters, Lena Crispus, Grace Craig Sims, and Myrtle Craig. Mary Craig died in 1897. Craig died in Flint on December 3, 1902.