Obituaries
James Edward Graham
February 6, 1957 - February 16, 2021
James Edward Graham, Jr. received his heavenly wings on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri - his home for more than thirty years.
James Edward Graham, Jr. was born on February 6, 1957, in Hamilton, Ohio. He was the first son of four children born to James Edward Graham, Sr. and the late Marietta Graham. He graduated from Princeton High School in Cincinnati and received his BS in Electrical Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology.
Following his retirement from Ford Motor Company in 2007, James developed James E. Graham Enterprises - a property management firm. Since his retirement from Ford, James worked at Harley Davidson and, American/Piedmont Airlines. He only worked at Harley to gain more knowledge of his love for motorcycles, and Piedmont to aid his love of travel, and took quite a few excursions to Mexico, Australia, South American, and Europe.
James (affectionately known as Jimmy), is remembered for his smile, his willingness to help anyone in need, a devoted son, a dearly loved big brother, a mentor, a father figure, a genuine friend. His sensitivity and genuine interest in the lives of others was a large portion of who he was. Whenever a friend or family member experienced a significant life event, James could be counted on to travel to be by their side. He was dear friend to all!
James was a beloved member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Kansas City Black Pilots of America (KCBPA), former union leader with United Auto Workers, Union Worker with Harley Davidson, Inc, and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
James was an avid reader, informed conversationalist, and never-ending student of life. Most of all, he was hardworking, caring, no nonsense - yet a comic, but an all-around great man. He loved airplanes and could tell you every kind there was. He was also a historian of wars, race car enthusiast, and loved all kinds of music. Other hobbies included: photography, scuba diving, (he was a certified diver), electronics, (he built a television and computer), flipping houses, playing the guitar, cooking, studying various religions: His proudest accomplishment was becoming a licensed pilot and an airplane owner.
In addition to his beloved father, James is survived by loving siblings: Gayle Graham, Brian Graham, and Dana Braxton; Special uncles and aunts: Raymond Green (Ina), Ronald Green(Joyce), Johnnie Chapman (Clyde), Melvin Green (Lori), Alice Green; Nephews: Dion, Darron ,and Evander Graham, Rev. Don Wagoner, Anthony and Alyse Braxton, grand nieces and nephews, cousins, a host of devoted friends, and Community Baptist Church in Kansas City.
Visitation is from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm, on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at the Walker Funeral Home - Mt. Healthy, 7272 Hamilton Avenue , Mt. Healthy (45231). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 4:00 pm. Everyone attending must wear a mask and practice social distancing.
To share a memory of James or leave a special message for the Graham family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."
Walker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Graham family. Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.