James Kenneth Graham

James Kenneth Graham, 88, - a much loved, husband, father, papa, son, brother, and mentor died peacefully on August 6, 2022, under the loving care of his second wife, Cindy Graham.
Robert and Hannah Graham arrived in America in 1922 from Greenock, Scotland and settled in Highland Park, Michigan. Their youngest living child, Jim, was born at home on March 8, 1934. Jim was a proud of his Scots-Irish heritage. He attended St. Benedict's grade school where he made friendships that lasted until his death. He then attended the University of Detroit Jesuit High School. He was a proud "Cub." Upon graduation from "The High", Jim attended, and graduated from, the University of Detroit and the Detroit College of Law. During law school Jim worked as manager at the Palmer Park Recreation and Bowling Alley. It was there that he was introduced to Elizabeth "Betty" Opalewski. Upon meeting Betty, Jim made sure that he worked when the North Detroit General Hospital bowling team was at the "PB." They were married on November 30, 1957. In 1960 they welcomed a son, Kevin. In 1970, they were blessed with a daughter, Jennifer. Jim and Betty enjoyed 43 years of marriage until her unexpected death April 8, 2000. In 2002, Jim married Cindy Dailey in Gourock, Scotland.
Following his brothers, Bob and Bill, Jim served in the United States Army. He entered service in 1959 at Ft. Leonard Wood as a tank commander. There was no military conflict at the time, he was discharged in 1960.
Jim entered the business world as an attorney for the State Farm Insurance Company. Always with an eye to the future, he moved to Chrysler Defense Engineering to negotiate contracts with the Department of Defense. After a few years he took a job with Citizens Mutual Insurance. This job allowed him to maintain his private law practice. This was thought to be a career job. However, the best was yet to come. In 1966, Jim was introduced to Robert Phillips. Bob offered him a position as Regional Manager for the Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (VALIC). Although the position was not as lucrative as his job at Citizens Mutual, Jim, with Betty's support, took a leap of faith and accepted the job. This decision turned out to be the best decision of his business career. Jim's career at VALIC afforded him not only the opportunity to provide a good life for his family, but also to co-own, with his friend and mentor, Bob Phillips, several Ralph Lauren Polo Stores in California and Arizona. Later, he partnered with an acquaintance to open a restaurant in Detroit called "Rembrandt's Roadster." He bet on Detroit long before it was fashionable. After 33 years, he retired from VALIC in 1999 after a long and distinguished career.
Central to his existence, Jim's life priorities were his Catholic faith, family, friends, and country. Jim and his family were active parishioners of St. Hugo of the Hills for 53 years. He was selected to serve on the design committee for the future St. Hugo of the Hills Church. He gave back to his community by serving as a member of the Bloomfield Hills School Board for several terms. Although he was involved with many charitable organizations, Jim's retirement gave him the opportunity to focus his time and talent on new charitable interests, as a member of the following: a member of the Sacred Heart Seminary Board of Trustees, founding member of the Great Lakes Music Festival, a founding member of LEGATUS, a multiple term member of the University of Detroit Jesuit High School Board of Directors (Go Cubs!), St. Benedict Highland Park Foundation, Presidential donor to Madonna University, and many other charitable organizations. He never declined a request to get involved if asked.
Jim's special attributes included his stylish dress, suit collection, his love of watches, shoes, and ties. He was loyal, often to a fault. His endearing attention was welcomed by family and friends with numerous calls and postcards when traveling. His family cherished his poetry that marked important life events and the dollar bills! He was known for his daily "drop-ins" at his daughter's house to see his "grand-granddaughters" for a hug. He relished his grandson "Mr. Christian." We will miss his humor and cheerful demeanor.
Survivors include his wife Cindy Graham; his children Kevin Graham (Virginia) and Jennifer Nykerk (Steve); his grandchildren, Christian, Elizabeth, Keely, Natalie and Delaney. He shared a special relationship to Cindy's children - Rick Anderson and Phil Dailey, and their families. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Robert and Hannah, his cherished sister, Catherine (William), brothers William (Pat) and Robert (Lorraine). He was predeceased by nephews, Brian Graham and Kurt Graham, MD and many aunts and uncles in America and Scotland.
He leaves behind several aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends, colleagues who played very important roles in his life. While it impossible to list all of people Jim loved he especially enjoyed a close relationship with his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jim was grateful for all of God's blessings.
His autobiography, "Breathless Memories", concludes,
"I would like to be remembered as someone who strove to live up to the precepts that I admired and that I tried my best each and every day to live up to these bedrock values."
"Finally, take time to smell the roses of life, but be willing and careful to deal with the thorns on the stems of the roses."
Family will receive friends at A.J. Desmond and Sons, 2600 Crooks Rd. Troy Friday, August 19, 2022, 2pm – 8pm. Scripture Service and Rosary at 6:30pm.
Funeral Mass Saturday, August 20, 2022, 10:00am at St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church, 2215 Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills. Visitation begins at Church at 9:00am. The Funeral Mass will also be livestreamed through the church's website at click here
The family requests you leave your favorite story or memory about Jim on the tribute wall.
Respectfully submitted by his loving family.