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James G. Graham

Long-time Youngsville resident; U. S. Army veteran

Posted 12/23/22

James G. Graham of Youngsville, NY passed away with his family at his side on December 14, 2022. The son of Francis and Gertrude Graham (nee Concannon) of Swan Lake NY, Jim and the Graham family …

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James G. Graham

Long-time Youngsville resident; U. S. Army veteran

Posted

James G. Graham of Youngsville, NY passed away with his family at his side on December 14, 2022. The son of Francis and Gertrude Graham (nee Concannon) of Swan Lake NY, Jim and the Graham family lived on their family’s farm until moving to Jeffersonville a few years after his brother Richard had been killed in action during WWII. The Grahams became a Gold Star family.

Jim attended Jeffersonville Central School, lettering in football, baseball and track. After graduating high school, Jim served his country in the US Army Infantry during the Korean War. When the war ended, he was witness to H-Bomb testing on Enewetak and Bikini Atolls. Jim had many awards for his service in the Army and remained a proud veteran for his entire life.

Once back home, Jim began a 33-year career working for the New York Telephone Company. He retired in 1988 from AT&T as a communication technician specializing in business system installations and repairs. He was one of the best, always called on to solve the difficult problems.

Jim married Joan on October 7, 1961, at Holy Cross Church in Callicoon. They raised their sons in Youngsville NY.

After retiring, Jim became an avid golfer and started and operated Graham Communications, his own telephone repair and installation business.

Other than his family, it was golf that became his favorite interest. He achieved a number of tournament trophies and three holes-in-one! As he tried to teach his sons the game, he became frustrated with their utter lack of ability and talent so he turned to teaching his grandchildren. He was delighted with his new proteges, and his enjoyment and purpose seemed to be at its highest. In truth, he would tutor anyone, even those who were competing with him. Golf reunited Jim with many old acquaintances, and it was golf that introduced him to many new friends.

Throughout his life Jim became a member of many organizations: The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars Allen Milk Post 7276, Catholic War Veterans, Knights of Columbus (fourth degree), Ancient Order of Hibernians (Division 1 Sullivan Brothers charter member), The Telephone Pioneers of America, Communication Workers of American (Local 1120 Charter Member) and the Saint Francis Roman Catholic Church in Youngsville.

The family that survives him are Joan Graham (nee Henn), Rick, Kevin (Ela), JP (Cheryl), grandchildren, Patrick, Sean (Erica), Ryan, Kayla, Kelly, Bridget and a wonderful great-grandson Cameron James. He is also survived by two sisters, Eileen and Isabell and was predeceased by two brothers, Richard and Leo.

It is difficult to sum up a person like Jim in just a few words, a man who set a wonderful example for all of us to follow, but a word comes to mind… “gentleman”; defined as “a chivalrous, courteous and honorable man”….Jim Graham was exactly that…a gentleman. We miss him dearly.

Jim requested that his service be private. We honored his request.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ride2Survive P.O. Box  282, Youngsville, NY 12791. To send condolences please visit stewartmurphyfh.com.