James Graves

James Lowell Graves, age 74, died Monday (Sept. 24, 2007) in his home after an extended illness, comforted by his family. He was born June 7, 1933, in West Newton, Pa., the son of Archie and Blanche Graves. He graduated from Fairmont Senior High School, Class of ’51. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1955, stationed in Norfolk, Va., and assigned to policing the Caribbean waters. He retired from Owens-Illinois Glass Factory, where he worked his way up to head of the purchasing department. During retirement, Jim was a diver for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. He also created woodcrafts as a hobby, enjoyed traveling and listening to music, and was a fan of WVU Mountaineer sports (charter member of the “Get in the Game, Coach!” Club). But foremost Jim found pleasure in his family and enjoyed being a father and grandfather.Jim is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wayne.He is survived by his wife Frances of 52 years; daughter, Cecilia Graves and husband Rob Russell of Morgantown; son, Jim Jr. of Lawton, Okla.; daughter, Cathy and husband Peter Meyer of Wilmington, N.C.; daughter, Cyndy Graves and husband Dave Hough of Morgantown; grandchildren, Miles and Taylor Graves, Ben and Jason Meyer, Emilee and Jacob Hough; and sister, Lois Holbert and husband James of Bridgeport.Family will receive friends at Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia St., Fairmont, today from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Graveside memorial service will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens in Westover.