James Paul Graves

James Paul Graves, age 87, of Maryville, Tennessee, passed away at home on Sept. 8, 2024, surrounded by family.

James was born April 20, 1937, in Vonore, and was the second son of the late Fred Lee and Edna S. Graves.

James grew up in Vonore and graduated from the Vonore schools in 1955. From 1955-1960, James attended East Tennessee State University, where he received his U.S. Army Commission as 2nd Lieutenant. In 1965, he graduated from The School of Physical Therapy, The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

James was a crusader for physical therapy and was instrumental in providing the first physical therapy services in Haywood County, North Carolina, Blount Memorial in Maryville, Tennessee, Woods Memorial in Etowah, Tennessee, and Sevier County Hospital in Sevierville, Tennessee.

Over his 35 years practicing physical therapy, James served injured veterans, athletes and seniors in their recovery and rehabilitation. He was known for pushing patients during therapy to achieve the best outcomes.

In addition to his exemplary career as a pioneer physical therapist, James had a lengthy career in the military in both active duty and the Army reserves. He served 36 years in the military. He was a veteran of the Cold War, Vietnam era, and the first Gulf War, Desert Shield/Storm. He retired from the U.S. Army as colonel.

James loved his wife, children and grandchildren. Early on, he instilled a love of horses and farming in his children and, in his later years, enjoyed helping others during hay season. He doted on his grandchildren.

Survivors include: his wife, Linda White Graves;

Daughters, Kristen L. Colwell (husband, Rich), of Greenback, Tennessee, and Marian R. Graves, of Bardstown, Kentucky;

Grandchildren, Katerina and Ivan Colwell;

Sister-in-law, Barbara Graves (late brother, Fred Graves);

Nephew, Lee Graves (wife, Yvette), of Cumming, Georgia;

Many dear friends, especially Mike Akins, of Sweetwater, Tennessee;

Devoted dog, Ollie.

The family wishes to especially thank Mary Lowe, beloved friend and Home Instead caregiver; Billie Pesterfield, Home Instead caregiver; and incredible UT Hospice nurse, Angel Levan.

The family will receive friends from noon until 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13 at Biereley-Hale Funeral Home in Madisonville. The funeral will follow at 1 p.m. in the Biereley-Hale Chapel. Interment will follow the service at Vonore Baptist Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial contributions be made in James' name to the following:

• Mayo Clinic School of Physical Therapy: Donations can be made by phone, online or by mail. Phone: Please call 1-855-852-8129 to talk with a team member who can facilitate a secure gift over the telephone. Online: Please visit https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donatemc and complete the online form. Under "Tribute Information," please indicate the gift is in memory of James Graves.

• East Tennessee State University Athletics Department Online Giving (etsubucs.com), Johnson City, Tennessee.

• Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.