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BORN
1932
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
464 Sherrill Rd
Sherrill, New York
James Graves Obituary
Jim was born on Feb. 11, 1932 to Clifford and Marjory (Parker) Graves. He married Dawn Laing on Nov. 1, 1952 with whom he shared 62 years together.
Jim was a lifelong resident of Sherrill. He graduated from Sherrill High school in 1950, and went on to graduate from SUNY Oswego in 1954. Jim was a shop teacher at V.V.S. Junior High School from 1955 until his retirement in 1987. Jim also worked construction from his teenage years through his sixties, and was co-proprietor of Silver City Contractors. He built many homes in Sherrill and the surrounding area.
Jim was mayor of the City of Sherrill from 1970-1982. Jim was also involved with Pop Warner Football and the Boy Scouts. He was a member of the Alliance Church in Kenwood and the NYSTA.
Jim enjoyed fishing and the outdoors, and spending time hunting at camp with family and friends.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Dawn, one brother and sister-in-law, Albert and Clara Graves. He is also survived by ten children: James Graves Jr., Arthur Graves, Daniel (Jackie) Graves, Deborah (Norman) Reed, Judith Johnston, Amy (James) Rapasadi, Amanda (David) Relyea, Diane (Paul) Camardella, Jeffrey (Stephanie) Graves, Jennifer (Kevin) Wickham, 23 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren. Jim also leaves behind his longtime friend Col. Ed Rushkowski.
Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc., 464 Sherrill Road, Sherrill, N.Y. Mr. Graves's funeral service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Christ Church United Methodist, Park Street, Sherrill. Spring burial will be in Valley View Cemetery, Oneida, N.Y. In memory of Jim donations may be sent to Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middlesettlement Road, New Hartford, N.Y. 13413.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Graves
Leila R Thurston
March 11, 2021
I will always have fond memories of Jim and his family. He set a great example of what family should be. Even after all these years, what he has instilled in them will be carried on for generations and that is his legacy.
Cindy Corcoran
March 25, 2014
So sorry for your loss. He was a great teacher,I had him I made a fire wood holder still have it. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Be strong he is watching you all. God bless.
scott vineall
March 24, 2014
A great example he set for many many kids, A greater man would be hard to find.
John Smoyer
March 23, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
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Tom & Dave Jones
March 23, 2014
If you knew this man you were lucky. If you knew him well you were blessed. Jim will be remembered long after most of us have faded from anyone's memory. One of the small bunch where "Best of the Best" is not a boast, but a fact.
Patrick Colangelo
March 23, 2014
Dawn and family- My mother and I are very sorry to hear of your loss. Although its been several years since I lived in the Oneida-Sherrill area, I remember all the good times we shared at softball outings and camp. I also remember his infectious smile and how he made building things look easy. He will be missed.
Patty and Patrick Colangelo
John Law
March 21, 2014
Best shop teacher ever! He will be missed.
Jackie Jahsman
March 21, 2014
Dawn and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences. Jim and Gene Bennati were such an important part of the construction of our home on Betsinger Road. Our home began with more than a pile of 2X4s and a bucket of nails. It was put together with the spirit of friendship and whole lot of fun, laughs and gotchas! Memories are forever.
David and Jackie Jahsman
March 21, 2014
"The Graves Family"
Our condolences to all of you.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
The Hoehn Family (Jean, Shane & Jamie)
Leila Thurston
March 20, 2014
Truly is an end of an era when great men like this pass on. What a good life he had. All the things he built, all the kids he taught, a part of him will be with us a long time. All my love to Dawn and family.
Kyle Graves
March 20, 2014
"Do Not Ask For Whom The Bell Tolls, It Tolls For Thee."
Tonight we all paid our respects to the greatest man I have ever known. The outpouring of love and support truly showed the impact our papa had on so many people. As a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, teacher and friend he touched so many lives and his legacy will live on through all of us as we carry on the lessons he taught us.
You will truly be missed papa and tonight the bell tolls for all of those who were lucky enough to have known you.
Rest in Peace
Barbara (Vanderlan) Destito
March 20, 2014
Dawn and family- So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God bless your family at this difficult time.
Theresa & John Sullivsan
March 20, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 2010
Sharon Campbell
March 20, 2014
Celebrating with Diane and her degree! Houghton College, May 1991
Sharon Campbell
March 20, 2014
To the Graves Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you remember your father and the impact he had on everyone around. The first time I met him, he was carrying this big huge shelves he made for Di and I for our dorm room! Hugs to each of you. Your family is amazing and I have always enjoyed each of you when I was lucky enough to be in town when you were there!
Bill & Linda Park
March 20, 2014
To Dawn and the family. My fondest memory of Jim was him letting me borrow his green truck to deliver ice at the 1966 Sherrill City Celebration. He was a great gentlemen and always enjoyed his conversations. An excellent teacher who helped a lot of us young students. Linda and I extend our condolences to the family of Jim Graves.
March 20, 2014
To the Graves family,
Many prayers sent your way. You are in our thoughts.
Chuck n Sandy Borys
March 20, 2014
Mrs. Graves and family I am sadden deeply by the passing of Mr.Graves. my thoughts and prayers are with you.He meant so much to me all of you do.May he be in budwieser heaven drinking a cold one dale earnhardt....much love ...good bye my friend who used to come and watch over me while i was working at the squat.
russ brown
March 19, 2014
sorry for your loss prayers and thoughts with the family former student Russell Brown and Family
Linda Fogg
March 19, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man and father. He made a difference in so many lives while a shop teacher and after. R.I.P Jim
March 19, 2014
Dawn and family, so sorry for your loss. Jim was one of a kind, friend,father figure,mentor,never said a cruel word about anyone,never will forget all the good times,and all he did for us.RIP Jim, Randy and Darlene Booth, Mooresville,NC
Kim Campbell
March 19, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. while in school I had Mr Graves for shop class, I loved having him for my teacher and couldn't wait to get to that class. He will truly be missed,You all are in my thoughts and prayers. R.I.P. Mr Graves.
Sue Decker
March 19, 2014
Dawn and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. There are so many memories of Jim in our family. This goes way back to Gale and a milk truck in your front lawn. He is at peace now. Love to you all
Sue and the Decker crew.
Kimberly Alter
March 18, 2014
Amy, Jim, Heather, Erin, Meg and Jimmy ( and all of the family ). Thinking and praying for all of you during this very sad time. Celebrate the fact that your Dad and grandpa is surely healthy and whole again in heaven with Jesus. Someday you will be with him again. Much love, Kim Alter.
heather rapasadi
March 18, 2014
Love you papa miss u so much already <3
We will always remember JIm this way - with kids in his lap (including me) and the more, the merrier.
Johnny Schillner
March 18, 2014
Johnny & Janet Schillner
March 18, 2014
We are so saddened to hear of cousin Jim's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Thank God for all of our wonderful memories.
March 18, 2014
Dear Dawn and Family,
The passing of Jim truly marks the end of an era. Jim, and all his family, had a profound effect on my life. There is seldom a day that passes that I do not relate to one story or another that doesn't include Jim, Jimmy, Art. If there is an afterlife then Dick and Jim are having a Bud, or even a little “Swamp Water”.
Bob Arno
March 18, 2014
Dawn and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
From your Friends at Oneida Company Store
Patrick Shue
March 18, 2014
The Graves family.
Jim was always fun to be around, whether we were working, hunting or just hanging out. My most sincere condolences.
Ken Baker
March 18, 2014
Jim Jr and family --we are very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad.Our prayers and thoughts are with you.Vernon Downs track security.
Jan Collins
March 18, 2014
Dawn and family, So sorry for your loss. May memories of his life always live in your hearts and minds forever.
Roger Van Slyke/Family
March 18, 2014
RIP Mr. Graves, I will always remember you from shop class. May your family find peace and comfort from fond memories of the past.
Charlene and Alex Rowe
March 18, 2014
Dan, Debbie and family, So sorry for the loss of your dad. Hope the precious memories will see you through this rough time.
March 18, 2014
Jim, Art and Dan and family
Sorry for the loss of your dad. He was a good teacher and a great guy. Had him for 2 years. He 's up there building and repairing things. He 's one one of very few teachers that was respected and appreciated.
Dave Pagliarli
Chris and Pat Liddycoat
March 18, 2014
We are very sorry for your loss. "Mayor" was one terrific person.
Wendy and Chris Ahles
March 18, 2014
To the entire Graves family,
Our thoughts are with you. We will forever have fond memories of Jim.
Paul and Barb Miller
March 18, 2014
Sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for comfort. Paul had many a good time with Mr. Graves.
Jennie Chapin
March 18, 2014
Debbie and Norm
We are so sorry to hear of the passing your dad and father in law. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Doug & Linda Shue
March 18, 2014
Dawn and all the family,
We are so sorry to hear Jim has passed. Jim meant so much to me and I could never thank him enough for all the knowledge he gave me and especially just being my friend! He will be missed by all of us, rest in peace Jim!
Doug &Tammy Ebersold
March 18, 2014
So,sorry for your loss. May the memories and family times get you through this.
March 17, 2014
Dawn and Family
Our hearts go out to you on this sad ocasion.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Pat & Rich McLaughlin
Patti McGee
March 17, 2014
To the Graves Family, my condolences and will keep you in my prayers.
brenda baker
March 17, 2014
Amy and Jim so sorry for your loss prayers with your family
Judi Colclough
March 17, 2014
Dawn and Family,
So sorry for your loss. May your memories comfort you.
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