James Malcolm Graves Jr.

The Honorable James Malcolm Graves Jr., age 84, of Muskegon, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Born in Muskegon on November 8, 1941, to James Sr. and Marion (Van Munster) Graves, Jim was a lifelong resident and a pillar of the community he so deeply cherished.

A proud graduate of Muskegon High School's Class of 1959, Jim played both football and baseball in his youth. His pursuit of knowledge was extensive; he attended Muskegon Community College before earning a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Michigan. While teaching for nine years at Muskegon Community College, Jim commuted to the Detroit College of Law, attending night school for four years to earn his Juris Doctor.

His distinguished legal career began with a brief period in private practice before he was elected to serve as a District Court Judge for four years. He then served the community with integrity and wisdom as a Circuit Court Judge for 32 years until his retirement. Even as a judge, he continued his passion for education by teaching night and summer classes at the community college. Jim was a longtime member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church and was also known for his engaging community lectures on near-death experiences. As an adult, he enjoyed playing tennis for recreation.

He is survived by his three children: James M. Graves III of Utah, Jeffrey (Veronica) Graves of Tennessee, and Julie (Tom) Dunn of Grand Rapids. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Evan Graves, and Kylie Dunn, Carson Dunn, Braydon Dunn, and Payton Dunn. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Graves of Muskegon. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Barbara Graves. Jim was formerly married to Aletta (Bron) Graves for 24 years.

He will be profoundly missed by his beloved lifetime partner, Marcia Austin, and her family; her children, Adriana Austin and Shauna Bearup; her grandchildren, Noah (Grace Wertz) Krouse and Sydney (Ryan) Klootwick; and great-grandchild, Emory.

A funeral service to celebrate Jim's life will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Calvin Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Mark Milkamp officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment will take place at a later time at Oakwood Cemetery.