James W. Graetz

James W. Graetz, 82, of Granbury, Texas died unexpectedly at home of a heart attack on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

He was born January 15, 1943 in Bucyrus to the late William F. and Pauline E. (Taylor) Graetz. After graduating from Bucyrus High School in 1960 and The Ohio State University, Jim served in the US Air Force from 1967-1971 where he was a Captain and worked in Communications. 

Jim will be remembered as a big jokester and got a kick out of pulling fast ones on many friends and family. He loved keeping busy doing various things from woodworking, trying new recipes, playing endless rounds of cards, riding his trike, or coming up with clever raps (he’d refer to himself as ‘LL Cool Jim’). He worshiped at the Granbury location of StoneWater Church and rode with the Legion Riders as a member of American Legion Post 491. He was a kind-hearted man who would always help a friend in need. Jim’s favorite thing to say and live by was, “Be-e kind!” and the infamous, “Elephants because motorcycles don't have doors.”

Jim is survived by his wife, Sandy (Balentine) Graetz; daughters, Andrea (Steven) Allen and Carrie (Jeff) Hansen; grandchildren, Bowen, Kannen, and Jettlen Allen, Justin Deaton, Tanner Davenport, and Madison Neufville; and six great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter, Jamie Graetz and siblings, Mary Ann Ruth, David Graetz, and Carolyn Shaw.

Family will receive friends at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus on Saturday, March 1 from 12 Noon-1:00 pm, after which they will depart for Oakwood Cemetery where a graveside service with military rites by the US Air Force Honor Guard and Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail will be held.

Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Jim’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.