James Graves was born on January 16, 1934 to the late Willie Graves, Sr. and Essie Harris Graves in Washington, Georgia. He was the 14th child of 15 siblings. He was preceded in death by brothers, Edward, Comer, Willie, Felix, and Darrion Graves and sisters, Julia Bennett, Ruth Isabella, Mamie Hanson, Ossie Bailey and Inez Graves. He left his footprints in the sand of time until God saw he was tired and called him home on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange, Georgia.

James received his education in Washington, Georgia. After high school, he moved to New York. He worked for many years at Jacobie Hospital in New York. He then started his own business in electronics. He was awarded a large contract with the government to make special electronic parts for the detonators the military was building. He was very good at his trade.

James was joined in Holy Matrimony to Hattie Ruth Darden Graves. They remained faithful and loving to each other for 44 years.

James accepted Christ at an early age and joined Booker Chapel Baptist Church in Washington, Georgia.

After relocating back down south and moving to Lanett, he joined the St. John Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. Walter L. Darden, where he remained a faithful member until his death. He was always willing to do whatever you asked him to do even cooking special dishes.

James loved to have fun. He was a cheerful person full of zest and energy. He loved playing with the children in the church and they all loved him.

James leaves to cherish his memories a devoted wife of 44 years, Hattie R. Graves, Lanett, AL; two loyal sons and one loving daughter, James Graves, Jr.(Myra Steele), Larry Graves, both of New York, NY and Sharon Graves Collier, Providence, RI; two sisters, Georgia Crockett and Martha Pinchuk, both of Chicago, IL; ten grandchildren, Shawn David Graves, and Jerome James Graves, Bad Hersfled,West Germany, D’Jate Graves, Waldorf, MD nd, Larry Graves, Jr., Kuhdearah Graves, Stephanie Graves, Tiffany Graves all of New York, NY, Tyla Collier, Maya Collier, both of Providence, RI and Tim Nichols, Augusta, GA; four great grandchildren, Mia Peace, Correy Peace (Tracell Peace-Nichols), Aaden Nichols all of Bronx, NY and Heaven Matthew,Augusta, GA; three brothers-in-law, James Darden, New York, NY, Rev. Walter (Catherine) Darden, West Point, GA, and Will (Marva) Darden, Atlanta, GA; two sisters-in-law, Mildred (Aubrey) Cumberlander, Powder Springs, GA and Emma (Donald) Hutson, Atlanta, GA and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.