James Graham

PAXTON - James (Jim) P. Graham, 98, of Paxton entered into rest peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday (Oct. 8, 2025).

Jim was born in Rossville to James Fredrick and Margaret Myrtle (Jacobs) Graham on Nov. 27, 1926. He was drafted into the Army at the age of 17, serving in World War II. Initially, he was with the 1st Infantry of the Army and later in the military government during the occupation of the Philippines and Korea. After his military service, Jim attended the University of Illinois in Galesburg for two years, majoring in architecture. He then attended Decatur Barber College and graduated in 1948, beginning his 65-year career as a barber.

Jim married Virginia L. Beckley on July 24, 1949, in their hometown of Rossville and were married 53 years. Jim and Virginia lived in Cissna Park for the first five years of their marriage before moving to Paxton in 1954 and opening his own shop, Jim Graham's Barber Shop. This became the social hub and meeting place for lively conversation and solving many of the world's problems over the years. Jim eventually sold the shop in 1997 but officially retired in 2013 after giving his final haircut to his great-grandson, Ethan Oliver. Jim also served as the Paxton city treasurer for 20 years, from 1973-1993.

Those fortunate enough to know Jim appreciated his sense of humor and loyalty to his community. His hobbies included fishing, storytelling, gardening, winemaking, attending sporting events, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers and Fighting Illini.

Jim is survived by his three children, Ronald (Susey) Graham of Gallatin, Tenn., Patricia (Geno) Herges of Bloomington and Thomas (Linda) Graham of Camargo; six grandchildren, Erin (Jarod) Oliver of Fenton, Mo., Drew (Amy) Graham of Missouri City, Texas, Thomas Herges of Albuquerque, N.M., Amy (Michael) Adams of Carlock, Derek (Kaitlyn) Graham of St. Joseph and April Paige (Ian) Overstreet of Philo; 11 great-grandchildren, Ethan, Paxton and Jack Oliver, Jaxon and Gage Graham, Sadie and Sam Adams, Skyler, Cooper and Titus Graham and Emmalyn Graham; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers, Jack and Donald (Dugan) Graham; sister, Maxine Wilma Lundberg; half brothers, Earl and Howard Graham; and a great-grandchild, Sawyer Adams (infant).

Jim Graham's celebration of life service is being held at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home, Paxton, on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at noon. A visitation will take place before the service from 10 a.m. until noon at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Paxton-Buckley-Loda Academic Foundation in Paxton. Please sign his guest book at coxknapp.com.