James "Graham" Matheny

James "Graham" Matheny Jr. Graham was born in Louisville, Kentucky on April 4th, 1970. He attended Atherton High School where he excelled in soccer, chess, and drama, where his love of acting was recognized by the Governor's School for the Arts. Graham also attended the University of Hawaii and Northern Kentucky University. He died peacefully at home in Louisville on December 5, 2025 Graham was preceded in death by his devoted parents James Graham Matheny Sr. and Judith Charlene Matheny (Heaton), as well as his loving sister Rebecca Steele Matheny. He is survived by numerous cousins, friends, and his niece Elizabeth Relish and nephew Cal Relish. Graham had a broad array of interests and travelled extensively. Many of us will treasure wide ranging conversations with Graham at family events as well as more intimate chats over the chessboard where Graham always seemed at home. Though facing behavioral health challenges his entire adulthood, Graham remained both brave in his daily life and optimistic about his future and the future of those around him. Quick to lend a hand, and an interesting bit of trivia or piece of family history, Graham remained the kind soul he had always been until the end. May he finally find the peace he so well deserves as he is reunited with his family. Visitation will be from 2 – 4 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life at Ratterman Embry Bosse Funeral Home, 2723 Preston Highway.