James Graham

James (Jim) Graham passed away in Powhatan, Virginia, on January 11, 2026, from colon cancer. Jim was born on January 2, 1929, and was grateful to celebrate his 97th birthday with his family before his passing. He was the son of Doris and George Graham of Lafayette, Indiana, where he grew up. Jim joined the U.S. Army in 1949 and was assigned to the Second Division Medical Corps. He served 10 months in Korea as an aidman and was honorably discharged in 1952 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He spent 33 years working in the airline industry and retired from American Airlines in 1987. Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed traveling, bowling in two church leagues, boating, and searching for arrowheads. He and his wife, Shirley, spent 30 of their 62 years together woodcrafting and participating in craft shows in Texas and Virginia. His trademark, "JimG," can be found on the bottom of all his creations. Jim is survived by his daughters, Sandy Graham (Rich Knorowski) of Newport News, Virginia, and Jackie Trickel (Rob) of Apex, North Carolina; his sons, Darryl (Kathe Powell) of Falls Church, Virginia, and Duane (Thena Enyert) of Paisley, Oregon; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He gives his heartfelt thanks to all his family and special friends who helped him and looked after him in the later years of his life. Jim and his precious wife, Shirley, who passed in 2018, will rest together. Following cremation, their ashes will be mixed and buried in a special place they both loved. Due to inclement weather the meet-and-greet at his home will be held on a later date, to be announced. Donations may be made to a women's shelter of your choice in honor of his mother, or to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of his wife.

"Powhatan has thawed out, and we would like to invite all who knew Jim and Shirley—our beloved parents—to join us for a rescheduled Celebration of Their Lives on February 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at their home.

We look forward to gathering together to share stories, photos, and videos, and to remember the many moments that made their lives so special. Dad’s famous oatmeal cookies will be served, just as he would have wanted.

We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Tiffany Ramsey of Bristol Hospice for her exceptional care of Jim during his illness, and to Bennett & Barden Funeral Home for their kindness and support during this time."