Jens Peter Graham

1953 - 2025

Jens Peter Graham went home to be with his Lord on Jan. 23, 2025, in Danville, Pennsylvania, at the age of 71. He died peacefully with his family at his side.

Jens was born on Feb. 20, 1953, in Keokuk, Iowa, to Clester and Jeannette (Bresnahan) Graham. He spent his early childhood years in Iowa and Kentucky before the family moved to the small town of Healy, Alaska. For the rest of his life, no matter where Jens traveled or lived, Alaska would remain the home of his heart.

He graduated from Tri-Valley High School in Healy, Alaska, in 1971. Shortly thereafter he met the young woman who would become the love of his life, Barbara Jane Clark, whom he affectionally called "Janie." He knew from the moment he saw her that she was meant for him. They married on June 11, 1972.

Jens began his professional career in Alaska, hired first by Usibelli Coal Mine through a youth workforce development program. Over time he worked a variety of jobs for different employers throughout the United States, always willing to learn something new. Many intervening years were spent in Oregon, California, Iowa and Missouri before Jens resettled in Alaska. He developed a broad set of skills and was widely recognized as an excellent mechanic. Highlights of his career included working for the State of Alaska Department of Transportation as an equipment operator and mechanic, and for a Case IH/John Deere dealership, which he enjoyed because he had an eye for farm machinery and horses. He was uncommonly good with numbers but appreciated the opportunity to work with his hands. Ever the dreamer, he maintained a steady list of home improvement projects and loved the chance to create something new.

In 2002, he retired from Usibelli Coal Mine and moved into the house he built with his sons in Healy. He spent the final years of his life cooking, traveling, making memories with Janie, enjoying time with family, and telling people about Jesus. Jens never hesitated to go for a drive, no matter the distance. Country music, cheeseburgers and a cold soda pop would make his day. The grandchildren knew they could count on "Grandpa/Papa" to tell a story, play a game or share a sweet treat. Vanilla ice cream was his favorite, although he was very particular about the brand and type of vanilla. He loved when a son or daughter would call for advice or to chat about the hills and valleys of life.

In all his dealings Jens was deeply concerned with doing what was right. He was generous with what he had and fiercely loyal to the people closest to him, prioritizing relationships above all else. Jens was a man of profound faith in Jesus Christ who inspired others with his unwavering attitude of hope and thankfulness. When faced with hardship, he often said, "Don't let it steal your joy." He will be greatly missed because he was greatly loved.

Jens is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Jane, as well as their four sons, Jens Peter Jr. (Dawn), Christopher (Gina), Andrew (Meredith) and Thomas (Betsy); 13 grandchildren, Hannah, Bethany (Joseph) Diehl, Marie, Joseph, Ella, John Judah "JJ," Ruby, Jesse, Abigail, Rosalind, Adeline, Gideon and Peter; and two great-grandchildren, Marigold and Leilani.

He is also survived by eight brothers, Tony (Elma "Binky"), Jon (Dorma), Jim, Jeff (Tara), Shawn "Ralph," Mike (Cecee), Pat and Tim Graham; three sisters, Ann (Gerry) Hamelton, Mary Jo (Ron) Clark and Celeste (Tony) Winsor; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Jens was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Clester W. Graham.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Omega Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Pastor Drew Adcock will officiate the liturgy, followed by a time of fellowship. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of a devoted husband, loving father, dear friend and faithful servant.

Memorial contributions may be made to Thru the Bible, a worldwide Bible-teaching ministry, at ttb.org.

Private interment in Clarion Cemetery is in the care of Goble Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 330 Wood Street, Clarion, PA, 16214.

Friends and family may send online condolences by visiting www.goblefh.net.