John Lyon Graffius

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of John Lyon Graffius IV, who left this world peacefully on December 7, 2025, at the age of 64. Born on February 22, 1961, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, John was the cherished son of Jane Rea Graffius and the late John Lyon Graffius III. From the beginning, he carried a quiet steadiness, a sharp mind, and a love for life's simple joys, qualities that would define him throughout his years.
John's path led him to Louisiana State University, where he met his wife, Karen. He graduated with a degree in industrial engineering and became an unwavering LSU Tigers fan for life. In 1982, he began what would become a decades-long career with UPS. His talent for numbers, problem-solving, and seeing order in a complicated world helped him thrive as a financial analyst until his retirement in 2019. Yet for all his professional accomplishments, John never measured success by titles or achievements. His greatest pride and his truest legacy were his family.
John leaves behind his loving wife and closest companion, Karen Graffius, who walked beside him through every season of life. He was a deeply devoted father to their children, Jake, Stephen and his wife, Aviva, and Emily, each of whom carries a piece of his humor, his steadiness, and his heart. John was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his first grandson, Eli Graffius, whose upcoming birth brought him immense joy and hope.
He is also survived by his mother, Jane, and by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Jennifer & Mike Jenkins and Elaine & Kenneth Sanders, who shared in his story from the earliest chapters.
John's interests painted a vivid picture of who he was: a movie buff who appreciated a good story; a skilled cook whose grilling and smoked meats were family favorites; a puzzle lover who found comfort in quiet challenges; and a cigar enthusiast who enjoyed taking a moment to slow down and savor life. He had a warm smile, an easy laugh, and a gift for making everyday moments meaningful.
One of John's greatest joys was coaching his sons' baseball teams. He showed up for every practice, every game, every chance to encourage them. And when it came to Emily, he was her biggest fan, never missing a piano recital or musical performance. Whether on a ballfield or in an auditorium, John was always there, teaching his children through his presence what it meant to be supported, believed in, and deeply loved.
A funeral service honoring John's life will be held on December 13, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Community First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Robert Brown officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:15 AM. Interment will follow in Carroll Memory Gardens, with Doug Bell, Mike Jenkins, Bud O'Neal, Hollis Ray O'Neal, Kenneth Sanders, and Brad Wheeler serving as pallbearers.
As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that John is at peace, free from pain, surrounded by grace, and finally able to enjoy all the ice cream he could ever want. His love, humor, and gentle spirit will continue to shine through the lives of those who knew him best.
Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the Graffius family during this time.