May 4, 1908 — Feb. 4, 1983
Jim Graves was a man who was beloved by his wife, cherished by his children, adored by his grandchildren, and revered by all who knew him. He was the rare man whom we are blessed with only occasionally.
Jim was of the "unselfish mold," that was always willing to help at a moment’s notice. Many of us have had our lives touched by Jim’s unselfishness. He has fixed our television sets, our leaky pipes, our broken clocks. He was always there to lend a hand. He was the shoulder to lean on in sorrow, and the strong back to depend on in labor.
Jim was one of those rare intellects that didn’t need to spend years at the University to gain his vast knowledge. He would study the problem, contemplate the alternatives, and then always provide the solution. There was nothing Jim couldn’t fix, mend, build or repair. He could; and did it all.
Jim loved his family, and showed it in every way. In time of need, in a time of joy, in a time of celebration, Jim was there with his loved ones. he would drive a hundred miles to a birthday party, or just to visit on a Sunday afternoon. He was a wonderful father, a caring and endearing husband, and a devoted grandfather. His family was his life, his love, his every thought. After his children grew, a new light brightened his life. His grandchildren were cherished just as his children were. They too grew up, and their children became his delight and his joy. He loved each new babe with as much endearment as the ones before.
Jim Graves will be missed by all those that knew him, befriended him, and loved him. His family, his "East-side" friends, his "fellows" from Ford’s, and those new friends he made wherever he went. Jim’s presence will be with us always. He was that kind of man.
by Roger Graves
