James Bert Graves

Jim was a high school friend and the thought of him has always made me smile. I ran into him somewhere over the past few years and found him to be as warm and wonderful and funny as he was back at old RHS. My deepest sympathy to all of you. You will be in my prayers as you mourn the loss of a wonderful person. Take comfort in knowing he is safe in the arms of our Savior and you will see him again.

 

Trisha

I remember meeting Jim for the first time at Panera's. What a wonderful guy! It didn't take me long to know that he was special man! So sad that we didn't have more contact with him and Patty. Knowing what it is like to care for someone who you love so dearly, knowing that you will lose them sooner than you had anticipated is so very hard, Jim had a big heart and a wonderful outlook. A big loss to this world and he will be missed by all. He is now in Heaven and I am sure making lots of new friends and meeting up with some old friends. May God take care of him and hold him in his arms.

What a gift Jim was to all that had the pleasure of being in his presence. Always upbeat, friendly, and talkative. I knew Mr. Graves as a neighbor (Willow Knolls South) and friend of the family, but more importantly got to know him better through his journey with cancer. I always enjoyed chatting with him at the pool or in the neighborhood while in Peoria visiting my family. I have worked in cancer resarch for many years and have never met anyone who fought harder or supported cancer education and research more than Jim. He will continue to be an inspiration and beacon of hope for better treatments and cures.

Jim (Jimmy) was my best friend growing up.  He always had a passion for having fun and had many varied interests.  I always was made to feel as welcome in the Graves’ household as I as was in my own.  We went our separate way as adults, but the friendship we shared through childhood and adolescence has stayed with me all these years.  Jim will be missed very much.

In my mind, Jim will always be remembered as the "big brother" on Everts Court, where I grew up. Helping with bonfires, setting off the fireworks and playing hot box with us younger kids were a few of the many things he shared with us. My sympathy to his family.

My condolences. It is my hope that these words of the Holy Scriptures, prove to be supportive in this difficult and painful time…..

John 11:32-45

32 And so Mary, when she arrived where Jesus was and caught sight of him, fell at his feet, saying to him: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 Jesus, therefore, when he saw her weeping and the Jews that came with her weeping, groaned in the spirit and became troubled; 34 and he said: “Where have YOU laid him?” They said to him: “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus gave way to tears. 36 Therefore the Jews began to say: “See, what affection he used to have for him!” 37 But some of them said: “Was not this [man] that opened the eyes of the blind man able to prevent this one from dying?”

38 Hence Jesus, after groaning again within himself, came to the memorial tomb. It was, in fact, a cave, and a stone was lying against it.39 Jesus said: “TAKE the stone away.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to him: “Lord, by now he must smell, for it is four days.”40 Jesus said to her: “Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Therefore they took the stone away. Now Jesus raised his eyes heavenward and said: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 True, I knew that you always hear me; but on account of the crowd standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that you sent me forth.” 43 And when he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice: “Laz´a·rus, come on out!” 44The [man] that had been dead came out with his feet and hands bound with wrappings, and his countenance was bound about with a cloth. Jesus said to them: “Loose him and let him go.”

45 Therefore many of the Jews that had come to Mary and that beheld what he did put faith in him;

Please go to the following link for more information regarding the Hope expressed in this passage

http://www.jw.org

I met Jim in high school and we became good friends. He even made me a metal ash tray in his metal class. Always giving. He always thought his name was so bland that he insisted we call him Jim Graves Esquire or just Esquire. The last time I saw him was at my tiny wedding on a school day. I have tought of Esquire many times over the years and have recently found out he had passed away. A true loss of a great person. I am sure he is in a better place and we will all see each other again.

I am deeply saddened to hear about your loss, but the legacy he left behind will be impossible to forget. I still remember the first time Jamie shared stories about Mr. Graves during a late night conversation back in the Chi Omega house. She was a daddy's girl, beaming with a modest sense of pride, just as direct about his battle with cancer as it seems her father was. I hope your hearts are flooded good memories, I wish the best for you and your family. You have and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Jennie

You are in my prayers. I truly know how you feel because I have walked in your shoes. Jim was a wonderful guy! It didn't take me long to figure that out; the day we met at Panera's. I just wish Lonnie could have had as much of an outlook at fighting as Jim had. I am so sorry I didn't hear about Jim's passing sooner. I would have come to the service, Now that Lonnie and Jim have reconnected in Heaven maybe we can reconnect on Earth to carry on their Legacy. Please call me if there is anything I can do... maybe just to be with someone who knows the pain would be comforting, God is with us all at this time. May he give strength and comfort in the days ahead. In Christ's Unfailing Love, Deb Williamson,Chillicothe,IL

Patti and family - Please accept my deepest sympathy. Even though our contact has been minimal the past several years, your tribute to Jim tells me he was the same great guy I knew him to be. If there is anything I can do to ease your pain during this time, please let me know. I am sure you know that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over all of you.