James (Craig) Armstrong

On November 17th, 2020 at the age of 76, James Craig Armstrong transitioned from this earthly home. James Craig Armstrong, often referred to as “Craig or Jim,” was the fifth of seven children born to the late Mr. Claude Armstrong, Sr. and Mrs. Daphne Wilson Armstrong. Craig grew up in the household with his two brothers and four sisters, where there was never a dull moment. They didn’t have a lot, but they loved each other dearly. They didn’t have to find people to play with because the Armstrong clan made their own fun.

As a child Craig attended the Meharry Blvd. Church of God with his family, where his membership was withstanding. He was a product of the Metro Nashville Public School System. Upon graduating from the infamous Pearl High School in 1962, Craig joined the United States Marine Corp serving our country with honor from 1964 to 1968. Upon the honorable discharge from the military, he sought employment as a Certified Nurses Technician at Parkview Hospital (Present day Centennial Hospital). From this, Craig’s love for helping others transpired the nursing career he enjoyed so much. In the late 1980’s Craig graduated from Tennessee State University with his nursing degree. As a result, he worked at the Veterans Hospital of Nashville, Tennessee helping fellow comrades. Then he went on to work and retire from Centennial Hospital. Craig’s number one life goal on the job was “To be the guy people remember as the one who helped them.” Craig reached that reality by making all smile and laugh, while giving expert care everywhere he went!

Between being discharged from the military and getting his nursing degree, Craig met, dated and wedded the love of his life, Virginia May Gardner, on September 16th, 1972. This covenant was blessed with 48 years. The two took pride in spoiling each other. Virginia was truly the apple of Craig’s eye. They spent time traveling across and outside of the United States. Oftentimes, the couple stepped in for family, playing pivotal roles with nieces, nephews and cousins.

Craig’s accomplishments over his career include: Promotion to Nurse Coordinator (Centennial Hospital, 1996), The Frisk Humanitarian Top Award (Centennial Hospital, 2007), Tennessee Hospital Association Nurse of Distinction Clinical Award (2008), Centennial Medical Center Board of Trustees (2009).

James Craig Armstrong leaves to cherish, ever dedicated and devoted wife, Virginia May Armstrong; loving brother, Calvin Armstrong of Nashville, TN; dedicated sisters, Dr. Sherry Armstrong, Sandra Humphrey and Mamie Saunders, all of Nashville, TN; cousin, Kenneth Frazier of Mt. Juliet, TN; a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews, as well as a host of cousins; devoted family friends, Betty Stewart, Joseph Baker and Phyllis Holt.

DUE TO COVID-19, A FACE MASK IS RFEQUIRED AND PLEASE KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCE IN MIND AT ALL TIMES.