Colonel John W. Retired

Colonel John W. Graves (USAF Ret.) November 15, 1941 – August 24, 2025.

John was born in Montgomery, Alabama, the second of three sons to Walter and Fannie Graves-Walt was a coach, and Fannie a math teacher-before Walt was called to military duty and the family began a life of global travel until John's high school years in Tucson, Arizona.

The family plans a private graveside service.

In Tucson, John served as junior class and student body presidents and competed as both a wrestler and a gymnast. He earned an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, graduating in the top third of his class with a degree in engineering, which launched his career in communications and electronics.

After technical training, John was stationed in Europe, where he met and married June Hester. He later earned a graduate degree from the University of Southern California and served as aide-de-camp to Major General Paul Stoney, a role that inspired a lifelong love of running. They traveled the globe aboard a dedicated C-118 aircraft, where John developed an enduring appreciation for jet aircraft.

Following assignments in Missouri and Alabama (Air Command and Staff College), John took command of a squadron in Thailand during the drawdown of U.S. operations in Southeast Asia. During the Vietnam era, the military placed field-grade officers in academic "think tanks" at major universities. John was selected to serve at Columbia University's Institute of War and Peace Studies in New York City-where he also discovered a love for Chinese food.

As Group Commander in the Panama Canal Zone, John was required to learn Spanish. His confidence sometimes exceeded his skill-but that's another story. He proudly marched as Commander of Troops in the final U.S. Joint Military Independence Day Parade there.

John's next command involved leading a major portion of the Presidential communications support mission at Andrews AFB. He later returned to Europe as Vice Commander of the European Communications Division. Throughout his career, he also held classified assignments at the Pentagon and received specialized training in strategic communications.

At age 49, John suffered a heart attack and was medically retired from active duty. He continued to serve his country in a civilian capacity, becoming program manager for the Government Emergency Telecommunications System (GETS). In this role, he collaborated with the telecom industry to create a secure, prioritized calling capability for emergency use-successfully tested in real time during the 9/11 attacks.

John was more than his career. He was a skilled speaker, builder, auto mechanic, a passionate car enthusiast, a college football fan, a good dancer, and he was a talker-on any subject, in any of three languages. His legendary hobby collections and storytelling amused everyone who knew him. He was great fun.

John is survived by June, his wife of 59 years, and his brother David Graves (Karen) of Kentucky; nephews Jeff Graves (Melissa) of Arizona, Brett Graves of California, and Tim Graves (Slade) of Arizona; nieces Carina and Angela of Kentucky; and an adopted niece, Suzanne White (Doug) of Virginia. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Bill Graves (Sue), and his niece Jennifer Graves.

He is also survived by a large and loving extended family, including Oleta Hester, Gail Hester, Wanda Morrow (Jack), Phil Hester (Elaine), Aaron Hester (Ginger), Mat Hester (Ashley), Danny Meyers (Joy), Mollie Morrow (Jordan), Jonathan Avedesian (Samantha), and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

This obituary offers only a glimpse into the life of a truly good and patriotic man. The personal joys and memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

If you wish to honor John's memory, please consider a contribution to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America or the Air Force Academy Foundation.