James Robert (Bob) Graham III

James Robert (Bob) Graham, III, was born on September 2, 1946, to James Robert Graham, Jr., and Marjorie (Evans) Graham. He passed away in his home on August 4, 2025, at the age of 78. He was born in the hospital at Neodesha, Kansas, and resided in Fredonia, Kansas. He graduated from Fredonia High School in 1964, then continued his education at Pittsburg State University with a major in education. He completed his BS in Education in the spring of 1968. He was married to Marilyn (Smith) Graham, daughter of Wayne and Edna Smith, on December 23, 1967.

Bob began his teaching career in the fall of 1968 in Neodesha as a social studies and psychology teacher. The following year he was contacted by Max Wilson to come to Fredonia and teach those subjects. He also did some coaching with junior high football. After several years of teaching, he began taking classes in psychology and counseling to earn a MS and become a guidance counselor. Bob's goal was always to do the most he could to help students. This led him to finally decide to obtain a degree in school administration. He attended Emporia State University and completed his MS in school administration, then became principal of Fredonia Middle School. This was the path he continued for 22 years. Bob took the role of principal because he believed student success involved parents and teachers as well as students. This gave him a way to work with all of those groups. He had a saying on his desk stating, “The decision that is best for the student is the best decision.” That is how he treated every situation.

Bob Graham also had the honor of being selected to the Executive Board of the Kansas State High School activities board after serving 18 years as a principal. He had served two years on the Board of Directors before being selected to the Executive Board as a junior high representative.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother Marjorie, and sister Nancy Graham. His father passed away in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughter Erin (Graham) Spaeth, her husband Andrew, and their son Garik; his sister, Dr. Gloria (Graham) Flynn and her husband Pat; his brother, Jon Graham and wife, Terre; his sister, Marilyn (Graham) Bishop; nephew Jon Bishop and his wife, Mary, their daughter Maddie, and sons William and Brandon; brother- in- law, Gary Smith and his wife Debbie; niece, Tawny White and her husband Travis and their daughter Abbey White.

Bob had a unique sense of humor. He always had a serious look on his face, and kids would sometimes ask if he ever smiled. He would stand in the hall after every bell to let it be known he was supervising and watching. That let them know he was serious about their behavior and safety. He really did have some great responses to things people said or wrote.

Cremation has taken place, but a family visitation will be held on Friday, August 15, at the Loren Fawcett Funeral Home in Neodesha from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the Graham Family Teacher Education Scholarship at Pittsburg State University or the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. The family would like to hear of special memories others have about Bob; these may be sent to the funeral home or to a family member.