John R. Graham

John R. Graham Caro John R. Graham, age 85, passed away September 3, 2010, at Covenant Medical Center in Saginaw, following a brief illness. He was born April 8, 1925, in Lansing, the son of the late John F. and Nellie (Flitton) Graham. Following graduation from Lansing Eastern High School in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served his country as an LST gunner's mate in World War II. In 1947, John entered the Michigan State Police and was assigned to the White Pigeon, Mt. Pleasant, Ithaca and Wayland posts. After retiring from the State Police in 1974, he worked for the City of Wayland Police Department for five years. He began his third career in 1979 as bailiff to the Honorable Gary Stewart, District Judge at the Allegan County Courthouse. John was united in marriage with the former Joyce Lowden Jones in Allegan in 1984. After retiring in 1989, John and Joyce moved to Florida. After Joyce's death in 2000, John moved to Caro. He was an accomplished carpenter and woodworker, but will be remembered best for his gentle, quiet good natured spirit. He will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind. Surviving are one daughter and two sons, Kay Graham and Jack Graham, both of San Diego, California, and Jim Graham and his wife, Shirley of Caro; the children's mother, Mary Donna (Obie) Graham of Kalamazoo; three step children, Cheryl Jones of Kalamazoo, Nancy Winter of Grand Ledge, Rodney Jones of Lake; four grandchildren; and seven step-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and his wife, John was preceded in death by his two sisters, Roberta Holmer and Jean Weaver. In keeping with John's wishes, cremation has taken place. Private burial services will be held at the Maple Ridge Cemetery in Holt at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to their favorite charity. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Funeral Home of Caro. Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.ransfordfuneralhome.com.