Official Obituary of
James G. Graham
December 14, 2022
James Graham Obituary
James G Graham of Youngsville, NY passed away with his family at his
side on December 14, 2022.
The son of Francis and Gertrude Graham (nee Concannon) of Swan
Lake NY, Jim and the Graham family lived on their family’s farm until
moving to Jeffersonville a few years after his brother Richard had been
killed in action during WWII. The Grahams became a Gold Star family.
Jim attended Jeffersonville Central School, lettering in football, baseball
and track. After graduating high school, Jim served his country in the US
Army Infantry during the Korean War. When the war ended, he was
witness to H-Bomb testing on Enewetak and Bikini Atolls. Jim had many
awards for his service in the Army and remained a proud veteran for his
entire life.
Once back home, Jim began a 33-year career working for the New York
Telephone Company. He retired in 1988 from AT&T as a communication
technician specializing in business system installations and repairs. He was
one of the best, always called on to solve the difficult problems.
Jim married Joan on October 7, 1961, at Holy Cross Church in
Callicoon. They raised their sons in Youngsville NY.
After retiring, Jim became an avid golfer and started and operated
Graham Communications, his own telephone repair and installation
business.
Other than his family, it was golf that became his favorite interest. He
achieved a number of tournament trophies and three hole in ones! As he
tried to teach his sons the game, he became frustrated with their utter lack
of ability and talent so he turned to teaching his grandchildren. He was
delighted with his new proteges, and his enjoyment and purpose seemed to
be at its highest. In truth, he would tutor anyone, even those who were
competing with him. Golf reunited Jim with many old acquaintances and it
was golf that introduced him to many new friends.
Throughout his life Jim became a member of many organizations: The
American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars Allen Milk Post 7276, Catholic
War Veterans, Knights of Columbus (fourth degree), Ancient Order of
Hibernians (Division 1 Sullivan Brothers charter member), The Telephone
Pioneers of America, Communication Workers of American (Local 1120
Charter Member) and the Saint Francis Roman Catholic Church in
Youngsville.
The family that survives him are Joan Graham (nee Henn), Rick, Kevin
(Ela), JP (Cheryl), grandchildren, Patrick, Sean (Erica), Ryan, Kayla, Kelly,
Bridget and a wonderful great-grandson Cameron James. He is also
survived by two sisters, Eileen and Isabell and was predeceased by two
brothers, Richard and Leo.
It is difficult to sum up a person like Jim in just a few words, a man who
set a wonderful example for all of us to follow, but a word comes to mind…
“gentleman”; defined as “a chivalrous, courteous and honorable man”
….Jim Graham was exactly that…a gentleman. We miss him dearly.
Jim requested that his service be private. We honored his request.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ride2Survive P.O. Box 282 Youngsville, NY 12791. To send condolences please visit stewartmurphyfh.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James G. Graham, please visit our floral store.
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