James M. Graves, Sr.

James M. Graves, Sr. was a kind and gentle man, known for his big heart, for his incredible sense of humor and his unconditional love of family. He cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully for them and sharing much love and laughter. James lent his great sense of humor and compassion to everyone around him and in doing so, brightened many lives. The year was 1921 and America was still in celebration of its momentous victory in World War I, and beginning to rev up for the Roaring 20s. Prohibition was now in full effect, with the 18th Amendment ratified just a year earlier. The country was in the midst of a recession, yet there was a renewed sense of hope surrounding the nation as it moved from the Industrial Age to a new, Progressive Era. On the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, in the city of Muskegon, Lon and Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Graves had their own reasons for renewed hope with the birth of their son, James, on September 25, 1921. James and his sister, Marian, grew up in a loving home in the suburbs of Muskegon. His parents both worked to support their family his father was a steel worker and worked in sales, while his mother was a teacher. Like many boys, James enjoyed being involved with Boy Scouts and going camping, but also played trumpet in the school band. He received his education in the Muskegon Public Schools and after graduating Muskegon High in 1939, he went on to attend college for a year. Shortly after high school, James went on a blind date with a lovely young lady named Marion VanMunster. The two fell hopelessly in love and were married in 1940. Like many other young men of the time, James received his draft notice from the U.S. Army in 1944, and proudly served his country during World War II. While overseas, he saw combat in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of the Rhineland, but was taken as a prisoner of war. The camp he was being held at was later liberated by the American Tank Forces on Easter Sunday morning, 1945. Because of his bravery and valor, James was awarded the Victory Medal, European Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, two Bronze Battle Stars, Overseas Service Bar, Good Conduct Medal and Distinguished Unit Badge. Once home from the war, James and Marion started their own family and were overjoyed with the births of three wonderful children: James Jr., Robert, and Barbara. James wanted to be a strong, kind father to his children and he was. Attentive and caring, he took an active role in every phase of their lives, but most importantly, he made sure they knew they were loved. His oldest son, James Jr., fondly remembered how his Dad always had time to hit him some fly balls in the backyard with him to help improve his fielding. Even as he got older, his Dad was always there with a listening ear when he needed to vent his problems, and he regularly called at night just to see if he was OK. Unfortunately, James marriage to Marion ended in divorce in 1977. After some time, he developed a friendship with a neighbor named Ruth Branstrom, whose driveway he shoveled in the wintertime. Love blossomed between the two and they were eventually married. Sadly, Ruth passed away this past April. Besides being a devoted father, James worked as a Parts Manager at Dresser Industries for over 40 years until retiring in 1986. Not one to be idle, he then took a part-time job as a Security Guard for the Muskegon Art Museum. James was also a longtime Sunday school teacher at the First Congregational Church of Muskegon. Outside of work, James enjoyed traveling and hiking the dunes. Although his family and friends will miss him dearly, James example of commitment, love and compassion will continue to live on. Jim and Ruth delighted in each other's company, and may that delight be increased a thousand-fold as they are reunited in the Kingdom of God. James M. Graves, Sr., age 88, died on Saturday, September 26, 2009. He is survived by his sons: James M. (Marcia Austin) Graves, Jr., Robert D. Graves, both of Muskegon; daughter, Barbara J. Graves of Muskegon; grandchildren: James M. (Shari) Graves III, Jeffery M. Graves, Julie (Tom) Dunn, Angela Graves, Robert Graves, Amanda Graves; great grandchildren: Evan Graves, Kylie Dunn, Braden Dunn, Carson Dunn, Payton Dunn; first wife, Marion Graves of Muskegon; several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Ruth, in April & sister, Marian Bergren. A memorial service for James will be held on Saturday, October 3, at 1:00 p.m. in Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon with Rev. Tim VanderHaar officiating & Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Visitation will be on Saturday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan. Please visit James personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com where you may share a memory with his family or sign his online guest book.