Jaime "Jay" Graves

He started out pushing a broom in his uncle’s body shop in Philly as a kid. He’d go on to own his own, “Fantastic Finishes” in Blackwood: a lifetime of work in the industry and the natural ability to lay down paint with the best of them resulted in 32 successful years. Of course, he found his real calling as a grandfather. Although Madilyn is only 7, she already knows the joys of fishing and baja racing in his truck. For relaxation he headed down the shore, enjoying his home in Little Egg Harbor and heading out on his boat. Earlier years found him at the Bell Haven Campground. His tastes were simple: a Wawa fountain soda, Chinese food, pizza and perhaps a cheesesteak. He was an athlete from the days of his youth; played semi pro football in Philly, boxed a little and practiced martial arts and MMA. Half of his dedication was to competition and half was to just staying healthy. As a coach in Little League and football, Jay would inspire another generation to do the same. He was a lifelong fan of hockey and friends with many of the area’s best players. Of course, he rooted for the Eagles as well. He listened to just about any kind of music ranging from Prince to Toby Keith and everything in between. He loved all animals but especially his French bulldogs, Ralph the cat and horses. He had worked at the Liberty Bell Racetrack caring for the horses in his younger days. If his T.V. was on, he’d be checking out documentaries (WWII, Bruce Lee and any of the myriad of things that interested him). He was born in Philadelphia and settled in Maple Shade.

At age 13 he was introduced to a pretty girl in front of her house. Barbara and Jay would be inseparable. Married in 1978, they’d share a 48-year union blessed by two children, Beau and Stephanie; and later by his granddaughter, Madilyn. He is survived by his brothers, Jody and Gary.

Come celebrate 67 great years Saturday March 7, 2026 9-11 a.m. at MarK Tilghman Funeral Home, 38 North Forklanding Road, Maple Shade where there will be an 11 a.m. service. Interment Lakeview Cemetery, Cinnaminson.