James L. Graves

James Lyndell Graves passed away on January 4, 2026. Born on April 13, 1936, in the Clearwater community of Franklin County, Texas, he came into the world in a small three-room house without electricity or running water. He was the son of James Herman Graves and Maggie Lorene Jones Graves. As an only child, James took on many responsibilities around the house and farm, cultivating a strong work ethic and a philosophy of doing things the right way: "If it is worth doing, do it right."

James graduated early from Winnsboro High School in 1953 and went on to attend East Texas State Teachers College in Commerce, Texas. There, he participated in the Farm Boy program, working in the poultry division to ensure the college cafeteria had fresh eggs. He graduated in May 1956 with a degree in Vocational Agriculture.

After graduation, James accepted a position with the U.S.D.A. Milk Marketing Association in Dallas, Texas. He married Beulah Faye Howell on August 25, 1956, in Windom, Texas, marking the beginning of their 69-year marriage. A year later, they returned to East Texas State Teachers College, where James worked as a graduate assistant in the Agriculture Department while managing the college farm. He earned his master's degree in 1958.

James began his teaching career as a Vocational Agriculture instructor at Powderly High School in 1958. While living in Powderly, he and Faye raised three children: Jeri, Russell, and Jana. In 1979, he became the first Vocational Director at North Lamar High School, a position he held until his retirement in 1991 after 33 years in education. He served on the Board of Directors of the Vocational Agriculture Association of Texas. James cherished memories of taking students to competitions, helping students select animals to show and collaborating with other educators and community members to start the first Lamar County Show where FFA and 4-H members showcased their animals and projects. James enjoyed following the careers and successes of his former students. Following retirement from education, he continued his passion for farming and raising cattle in Powderly and Clearwater.

James is survived by his wife, Faye; daughter Jeri Wooldridge and her husband, Larry; son Russell Graves and his wife, Monica; and son-in-law Mike Kennedy. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jamie Graves Dekat (Daniel), Brittnee Wooldridge, Kara Kennedy Mabrey (Bill), Rob Graves (Cameryn), Stephen Wooldridge, Cole Kennedy (Lizzy) and Kyle Kennedy. He also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Jana Graves Kennedy.

A Christian service led by Dr. Danny Moody will be held at Fry and Gibbs Funeral Home on Friday, January 9, at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. before the service. Private burial services will be held for the family at Bethel Cemetery in Clearwater.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to North Lamar Education Foundation, James Graves Vocational Scholarship at P.O. Box 1972, Paris, Texas 75461, or to Bethel Cemetery Association of Franklin County, Neta Kemp, 13161 FM 115, Scroggins, TX 75480. The family extends their gratitude to Waterford Hospice and The Plaza on North Main for their exceptional care and support.