Clear, 30° F
(Jan. 2, 2004)
James (Jim) Sanford Graham died Friday, Jan. 2 at the Powell Valley Healthcare Center. He was 85.
Cremation has taken place per his wishes.
A memorial service is planned Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 2 p.m. at the Union Presbyterian Church in Powell. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery with Powell Veterans Honor Guard providing military honors.
He was born July 17, 1918, at the Graham family homestead east of Powell to Herf Stewart Graham and Nellie Grace Allen Graham. He was the fifth born of five brothers and two sisters.
After graduating from Powell High School in 1937, he worked for the REA prior to going into the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon returning from the service, he married Jacqueline (Jackie) Evon Pederson on July 10, 1946. They made their home in Powell and raised two children, Tom and Cindy.
Jim was an electrical contractor throughout his life as a partner in the Modern Electric Store and later as the owner of Jim's Electric on Clark Street for 35 years.
He will be fondly remembered for his playful sense of humor, his love for extended family and many friends, and his steadfast support of his community. He was active in American Legion Post 26 for more than 60 years, serving as Post Commander, Trustee and many other offices.
He was a charter member of the Eagles Lodge in Powell and a member of the Presbyterian Church and Homesteader Museum. He enjoyed hunting with his brothers and friends, as well as fishing at the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. In later years, he enjoyed camping with family and friends in his trailer on the North Fork of the Shoshone River.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Jackie Graham; daughter Cindy Sinclair of Sultan Wash.; son Tom Graham of Powell; son-in-law Rick Sinclair; grandchildren Shayla, Tyler, Drew, Christina, and Daniel; great grandchildren Alexis and Brett; sister EvaLou Vredenburg; sisters-in-law Ila Graham, Beverly Farmer and Bettina Darling; brothers-in-law Amos Vredenburg, Bert Farmer and Dick Darling; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Kenneth, Everett, Vern and Edwin; one sister, Marge; and granddaughter Nicole Graham.
For those who wish, the family suggests donations to the Powell Veterans Memorial, c/o Powell High School, 245 North Evarts, Powell, WY 82435 or a charity of choice.
Funeral arrangements are by Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home of Powell.
