James Graham
August 12, 1922 ~ November 1, 2010
James Graham, 88, of Miller, passed away, Monday, November 1, 2010 at his home.
Graveside services with military honors were held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 4, 2010 at Hillcrest Cemetery at Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating.
James David Graham was born on August 12, 1922 to Harold and Ada (Ericson) Graham in Geddes, SD. He graduated from Miller High School in 1941 and from there went to Elgin School of Watchmaking in Elgin, Illinois. He was skilled in making precision aviation instruments. On October 10, 1942, he volunteered for the United States Army Air Force in WWII and continued serving until October 1945. James was a Flight Engineer Gunner on the B-17 Flying Fortress in Central Europe, Ardennes, and Rhineland campaigns. He was awarded five air medals himself and his group received a Presidential Citation. He held the rank of T-Sargeant.
After the war James returned to Miller and ran Graham’s Jewelry Store for 40 years. During this time he married Margaret Schurch in Redfield on September 14, 1947. They were married for 63 years.
James was an avid outdoorsman and adventurer leading many wilderness expeditions. He was also a lecturer on fossils, rocks, and old west historical interests to many schools and organizations. He held a historical lecture tour of Europe in 1973.
James enjoyed gardening, reading, fishing, raising cattle. He was a true naturist loving science and nature. He also enjoyed flying his 150 Cessna airplane for many years.
James was on the Board of Directors of the South Dakota Historical Society for many years, honored member of the South Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame Air Combat Crew member in 1955, and named Heartland Historian Man of the Year 2004 by the Heartland Historical Society. The governor of South Dakota awarded the couple with James and Margaret Graham Day on November 30, 2002.
Grateful for having shared in James’ life are his wife, Margaret of Miller; two sons: Ross of Miller, SD, Pat of Kokomo, IN; four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two brothers: Dr. Norman Graham of Tomball, TX and Raymond Charles Graham of Wichita, KS.
James was preceded in death by his parents: Harold and Ada Graham.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Jim’s arrangements.
In Lieu of Flowers a donation can be made to the James Graham Memorial Fund. Click Here for Details
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Pam and I send our condolences to Margaret, Pat and Ross –
Many fun and interesting experiences with Jim. Fishing, Hand County history, war or just telling stories while watching TV. he was a joy to visit!
Ross,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. We have many memories of Jim Graham, who was the jeweler at Graham’s Jewelry Store. I remember going into his store as a young girl and dreaming of all the pretty things he had in his store. Your parents were wonderful people and your dad will be missed by many. You’ve taken good care of him these past years and am sure he is having a great time visiting all his friends in heaven. Our deepest sympathy go out to you, Margaret and Pat. Sincerely, Debbie and Melvin
We will miss Jim, he was a great neighbor growing up. Now Jim and Bob Moore can play cards in heaven again.
Aunt Margret, Pat and Ross
I wish I could be there today, I have so many fond memories of time I spent with you and Uncle Jim, the holiday meals, the Sundays, and all the good times I had while growing up and visiting you. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. Laurie
I have such fond memories of Jim and his jewelry store! It was a special place that my mother so enjoyed visiting and picking out very special & exquisite pieces of jewelry while enjoying Jim’s friendly, knowledgeable personality! I still to this day treasure the pieces of jewelry purchased from “Graham’s Jewelry”! It was a sad day when the jewelry store closed, and an even sadder day to hear of his passing, however, he left all of us with so very many wonderful memories! Praying those of you he leaves behind will be consoled with the memories you have of him.
David & Dee Sivertsen
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today. Aunt Margaret Laurie and I both wish we were in SD to be with you all now. Much love Linda
Ross & Pat
I am very sorry for the loss of you father. He was a very great man.