James R. Graves

James R. Graves, 84, of Avon, passed away on March 24, 2024.  He was born on July 22, 1939 in Cloverdale, IN to the late George and Eunice Graves.  Jim graduated from Greencastle High School in 1957.  After graduation, he attended Highway Technician School at Purdue University and started working for the Indiana Highway Department.  Jim joined the Indiana National Guard and served active duty at Ft. Knox, Kentucky and Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.  After active duty he served in the Army Reserves.  Jim was an ISP Trooper in Jasper County.  He retired as a Lieutenant in the Criminal Justice Data Division in 1998 after 34 years.  Jim and Kathy were married for 52 years before her passing in 2016.  They enjoyed bowling and golfing in the same league for over 20 years.  Jim was an avid license plate collector and had attended over 35 National Conventions and 150 Regional meets in 30 states.  He was elected to the ALPCA (Automobile License Plate Collectors Association) Hall of Fame in 2020. Jim was a 40+ year member of Plainfield FOP Lodge #132.  He also had memberships in AAST (American Association State Troopers), ISPA (Indiana State Police Alliance), Indiana State Police Pioneers, ALPCA, National 500 Collectors Club, and EMC (Extra Miler Club).  Jim had visited over 2,000 counties in the USA.  He Attended Bartlett Chapel United Methodist Church.  Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kathy Graves; brother, Marlin Graves and a sister, Anne Johnson.  Funeral services will be on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 1:00 pm in Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home where friends may visit from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm.  Burial will follow in Coatesville Cemetery.  Survivors include his daughter, Sharon (Rory) Everling; sister, Beverly (Ken) Moore; grandchildren, Shelby Everling, Kyle Everling and Sabrina (Steve) Hardy; great grandchildren, Delaney and Natalie Hardy; several nieces and nephews.  In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Indiana State Police Alliance at https://indianasfinest.com