James Lowell Graham

James Lowell (Jim) Graham, our loving and caring husband, father, grandpa, papa and great papa lost his strong and brave fight with Parkinson's on October 23, 2021. He was at home with family in Grand Blanc.

Jim was born on November 9, 1944. The third son of George and Margaret (Mertz) Graham in Allen County Ohio, was brought home from the hospital with his mother by ambulance to the family farm in Cridersville, Ohio. Margaret used to say that growing up Jim would only eat hamburgers and fries on family trips.

Jim attended Cridersville Elementary and Shawnee High School. He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1962, where he played basketball and baseball. He was known to be quiet and shy in high school.

Jim attended The Ohio State University. At OSU, he played outfield and third base for the Buckeyes, winning the 1966 NCAA World Series. Jim graduated from OSU in 1967 with a B.S. in Education. One of his undergraduate classes was “Teaching Baseball” where he received an “A”.

After graduating, Jim moved to Flint, Michigan to start his career as a 4th grade teacher at Scott Elementary in the Flint Public School District. He then transitioned careers and worked for the City of Flint in the Department of Parks and Recreation. He finished his career as the Director of Haskell Community Center. During his time at Haskell, he was active in providing programming across the age spectrum and was passionate about providing programming for elders, including Meals on Wheels, Stroke Rehabilitation, Senior Outings and Community Picnics. Jim earned his M.A. in Parks and Recreation from Central Michigan University. Jim retired after 28 years of work in Parks and Recreation to recareer again and spent 22 years doing grounds work at Woodfield Golf Course. Throughout his careers he was involved with Officiating Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, and Football.

Being physically active and sports was always important to Jim. When first moving to Flint he played baseball for Halo Burger Team. He participated in golf and bowling leagues. Jim completed two holes in one at Woodfield Golf Course. Jim loved being outside and would be excited to work in the garden or mow the lawn. He liked to visit estate sales with his wife Bonnie, finding sports collectables to resell, display, or gift. They also enjoyed traveling and visiting with friends. Jim loved being part of family gatherings and attending family members games, performances, and celebrations. One of his favored activities after his diagnosis of Parkinsons, was participating in a boxing group, Rock Steady Boxing, at Ascension Genesys Health Club in Grand Blanc.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents George and Margaret Graham and his brother Thomas Graham.

Jim is survived by his wife Bonnie (MacCutchen-DeGayner) Graham; brother William (Mary) Graham; former wife and mother of his children, Ann (Wood) Graham; children Lisa (Brian) Kreider, Stacey Graham and Michael (Denise) Graham; stepsons Bryan (Erica) DeGayner, Brett DeGayner; grandchildren Allison (Logan) Dennis, Joshua Kreider, Stryker DeGayner, Troy (Alexis) DeGayner, Tess DeGayner, Sterling DeGayner, Seeger DeGayner, Trent DeGayner, Jake Iddings, Brandon Graham, Jamison DeGayner, Blake Graham, and Chloe Graham; and great grandchildren Penelope Dennis and Oliver Dennis; and faithful dog, Kirby.

Memorial Services will be on December 11, 2021 at East Flint Church of the Nazarene at 11am. Lunch reception to follow at East Flint Church of the Nazarene.

Donations in memory of Jim can be made to Ascension Genesys Foundation for Parkinson’s Exercise Program at https://genesyshealthfoundation.org/en/make-a-gift

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillfh.com for the Graham family.