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.

I knew Jim through Peoria Notre Dame's Boosters and Parent's Board.  I always enjoyed being around Jim as you just couldn't help but smile and laugh.  Such a huge heart, such deep love for friends and family and such a terrific man!  The world lost another one.  \

 

To the Graves family, my deepest sympathies.  Just keep his smile in your mind and his love in your heart.

 

 

Where does a little sister start to share memories of her big brother.  He only wanted the best for me.  He was always fun to be around because he had so many friends and knew everybody.  He was a smart man.  He would always give me the best advice.  I got my first speeding ticket in his car that he let me borrow.  He and my Dad fixed up my first house.  He loved to go on vacation and I was lucky enough in recent years to go on a cruise with him.  My boys loved being with Uncle Jim.  I will miss being with him at the Labor Day Parade this year.   We always had such a good time participating.  He would call me to let me know when the Space Shuttle was going over so my boys could watch.  He always watched out for our Mom.  I will always appreciate that.  He was so lucky to have such a good wife and kids.  They took such good care of him in his final weeks.  I love you Jim and I miss you.

 

Your Sister Mary