James C. Graziani

1932 - 2025

James Cerri Graziani (Jim), beloved father, nonno, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2025, at 92. Born in San Francisco on August 3, 1932, Jim was the son of Asunta Cerri and Leo Graziani and the brother of Judy Graziani Steele.

A proud graduate of Serra High School (Class of 1950) and the University of San Francisco (Class of 1954), Jim served in the U.S. Army, earned his wings as a helicopter pilot, and retired as Captain in 1958.

He built a long and respected career as a stockbroker in San Francisco's Financial District, working at Dean Witter, Bear Stearns, and Morgan Stanley from 1958 to 2001. Known for his integrity and personal touch, he earned the trust and friendship of clients across generations.

Jim shared 44 devoted years with his beloved wife, Julie (Duffy). Together, they built a warm, joy-filled life surrounded by friends, laughter, and family. In her final years, Jim cared for Julie through a long illness with steady, unwavering love.

He was endlessly proud of his children: Leo, Stephen, Denise, Edward, and step-daughter Kerri. He was "Nonno" to eleven grandchildren and recently a great-grandfather to a cherished great-granddaughter. He treasured his friendships, some spanning 80 years.

Jim was a nationally recognized marksman and lifelong hunter. He won the National Collegiate Rifle Championship and served as the past president of the St. Germaine Duck Club. He was also an avid golfer and a longtime member of Silverado Country Club, where many friendships were forged on the fairways.

He also served on the boards of the Presidio Officers' Club and Durham Ranch. A devoted community member, he was active in the Lions, Kiwanis, and Rotary Clubs.

Jim was known for his charm, storytelling, and ability to make people laugh. He lived with integrity, worked hard, and sang like he lived, with gusto! His quiet but enduring Catholic faith, rooted in Jesuit principles, shaped his character and served as an inner compass throughout life's seasons. The song "My Way" was Jim's anthem, and he would sing it proudly whenever he wanted to. True to form, in the final hours of his life, he sang it, resilient and accepting.

You live on in each of us, as the cloud lives in the tea; your presence is subtle, inseparable, and forever part of who we are.