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James Graham Obituary
James C. Graham (Jim) died peacefully in the early morning of Sunday, September 20, 2015. He was born in Seattle, WA; March 26, 1929 to Evan Edmond Graham and Julia Louise Dose Graham.
He attended John Muir Elementary in Mt Baker Park. At Franklin High School, he was a tight-end on the football team; played Tennis & Golf; and was a member of a High School Fraternity called 'The Ambassadors' (2 from each of the Seattle-area High Schools were selected). Jim graduated with a Bachelors Degree from the University of Washington. While at UW, he joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He was the captain of the 1948 National Champion UW Husky Freshman Crew - admired by his teammates, always a leader. In June of 1952, he married his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth Calvert (Betty). Soon after, they traveled across the country so Jim could attend Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA. He graduated with Honors as 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. After returning to the Northwest, his first job was in Sales with Container Corporation of America. The family moved to Vancouver, B.C. for 7 years while Jim was employed with Deeks-McBride Sand & Gravel. Relocating back to WA; Jim began Kirkland-based Graham Steel Corporation (1963-2005).
He was a natural athlete; whether it be water or snow skiing or playing competitive Tennis and Golf. His true passion was boating and being on the water. He and the family spent many a summer cruising the waters of Puget Sound, San Juan Islands and Desolation Sound.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents (Evan and Julia Graham); brother & sister-in-law (Evan and Francis Graham) as well as his grandson (James Michael Graham).
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Calvert Graham; his children: Kathleen Graham, James Charles Graham Jr (Julie), Jeffrey Lawrence Graham (Kari); and his 4 grandchildren: Kate Elizabeth Graham, MacKenzie Ellen Graham, Jacob Andrew Graham and Alexis Catherine Graham.
The Graham family wishes to thank the Drs and Nurses of Swedish 9th Flr SW; Mirabella Memory Care and Mirabella Skilled Nursing staff for their care and compassion of Jim during his stay with them.
Sharing memories and celebrating
86 years of Jim's life will be on
Friday, November 13th,
4:30-7:00 PM at
Seattle Yacht Club
1807 E Hamlin St.
Memorial contributions in honor of Jim may be made to: Mirabella Seattle Foundation - attn: Memory Care Unit, 116 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Graham
Sponsored by The Family.
4 Entries
Julie Froning
November 13, 2015
The body fails, the the spirit soars!!! I have early fond memories to cherish of him. All my best to Betty and Kathleen and the rest of the family.
James Knapp
November 3, 2015
I am sorry to hear about the passing Jim my cousin. I remember him from when they lived on Dosey Terrace in Seattle and we lived in the central area. The last time I saw him was before my uncle and aunt passed away and he was living in Bellevue. As cousin we didn't get together much as we got older but I remember him as a very nice fellow and sorry over the years we didn't see each other. I know it is a big loss but now he is in a better place.
Rebecca Marez
October 1, 2015
My condolences to Kathleen, Betty, & the rest of the family.
Chuck Buchanan
September 27, 2015
I met Jim as an employee of Graham Steel from 1995-2000. I recall Jim as a very dignified, gentle, good person who showed interest in his employees and their work, and always greeted them with a smile. He was a good man; my condolences to his family.
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