James Topper Graves

09/14/1944 - 08/20/2024

James T. Graves of Plant City, Florida passed away on August 20, 2024. He was born on September 14, 1944, to John C. Graves and Pauline (Topper) Graves in Hanover, Pennsylvania. When James was thirteen years old, he and his parents moved to Florida. James was a graduate of the University of South Florida, Tampa, attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and a Master of Arts degree in Library and Information Studies. James resided in the Tampa Bay area and was a librarian for the Tampa - Hillsborough County Public Library System until his retirement.

James was a private, quiet person with many areas of interest. He had a keen interest in photography. Jim worked with black and white film and was proficient in developing and printing his photographs. From early on, Jim had a passion for reading. His childhood home was near the public library which became a very familiar place for him. His interest in literature led to his career as a librarian. He had a very special interest in poetry, with Emily Dickinson being one of his favorite poets. Jim was active in Dog Agility Competitions with his well-trained dogs Leida, Skye and Dancer. He enjoyed many genres of music and attended concerts frequently. Jim liked horseback riding and participated in many riding competitions. He traveled to Maine, Sante Fe, NM and Ireland to expand his photography experience and frequently visited relatives in Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

Of all James' interests, photography was his passion. Throughout his adult life he was an artist committed to improving his photography skills. With a camera around his neck, he immersed himself into what he was trying to capture on film. Some of Jim's photographs are blurred images that allow the viewer to interpret their own meaning. His photography was recognized in various ways. James was published in The Tampa Review, issue 45/46 by the University of Tampa Press and in Group Exhibition publications. He had a solo show at the Bruton Memorial Library in Plant City, FL and exhibited his works in numerous group and two-person shows. James received the "Best in Conceptual" award for his photography at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts Members' show in 2014 and 2015. A selection of Jim's photographs can be seen at https://www.lenscratch.com/2013/10/james-graves/

The following quote reflects James' philosophy, "In my photography, I document the world around me as I attempt to make images which speak, much like poetry, on both the conscious and subconscious levels. I've never liked putting into words that which I work so hard to create with the visual language of photography."

Jim will be fondly remembered and loved by his many surviving cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Funeral arrangements were handled by Brandon Cremation and Funeral Services in Valerico, FL