James Charlus Graham

James Charlus Graham was born in Dunlap Tennessee on July 11, 1932, to Franklin Borders Graham and Minnie Olena Graham. He was raised on his parents’ farm with his brothers. James was the Valedictorian of his High School Class graduating in 1950. He moved to Michigan where he began working with the Chrysler Program. Soon after he made an honorable decision and joined the United States Army. James attended the Basic Airborne Course and was certified as a qualified parachutist. He became a member of the 11th Airborne Division of the 187th Regimental Combat Team. As part of this unit James fought behind enemy lines during the Korean War. He was the recipient of the American Spirit Honor Medal, the Parachute badge, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged and returned to Michigan.

James worked as a drafter and attended the Lawrence Institute of Technology where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in both Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. James was employed by Ford Motor Company where he worked for 34 years. During his tenure he moved his family to both England and Germany. He was well respected by his peers and those who worked under his leadership. While James was successful throughout his career, he received special recognition for heading a multi-phase program to improve vehicle lighting, specifically the use of halogen head lamps. After retiring from Ford Motor Company, he was contracted by the United States Department of Energy to consult on the Hybrid Electric Vehicle Program.

James was a lifelong learner, as he eagerly studied and became an expert in any activity, he was participating in. He was an avid sailor and was a member of the United States Power Squadrons. He was a senior member certified in operations training, weather and navigational astronomy courses. He received the educational achievement award and was qualified as an instructor and vessel safety check examiner. He spent countless hours sailing his Jeanneau O’Day 39 Monohull Sailboat which he proudly named Cherokee, a nod to his heritage. He was a member of the Grosse Pointe Sail Club since 1996. He greatly enjoyed the opportunity to not only participate, but also experience great success in many races. He valued the friendships he made on Lake St. Clair.

James was especially proud of his family, never missing a chance to share any accomplishments his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren had achieved. He loved to tell stories and make people laugh, which he did often. His laugh was contagious. James had a kind and generous heart and was always ready with a helping hand. He was able to fix anything and enjoyed repairing and maintaining many beautiful old homes. He was also extremely active and passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He gave the best hugs.

James is survived by his wife of 43 years, Maureen E. Graham. His children, Judy Graham, Jeffrey (Susan) Graham, Jill (Joe) Greenfelder, Jacquelin Richardson, Charles (Kathryn) Esmacher, Ellen (Eric) Larson, Dana (Larry) Peter. His grandchildren, Courtney (Mo) Sriha, Megan Graham, Lauren (Reid) Czepcinski, Lindsey (Siavash Rahimian) Greenfelder, Connor Greenfelder, Jonathan (Lauren Meress) Shuert, Jacob Esmacher, Elizabeth Esmacher, Emily Esmacher, Hunter James Larson, Payton Larson, Paige Peter, and L.J. Peter. His great-grandchildren Julianna Shuert, Ariella Shuert, and Jonathan James Shuert. Nieces, Karen (Michael) Serilla and Nancy (Johnny) Comito. James was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Minnie Graham and his brothers Perry and Billy Joe Graham.

He will be missed deeply by his family who will forever be grateful for his love, guidance, and support. They ask you lend a hand to someone who needs it in the spirit of James’ generous heart and his willingness to help without expecting anything in return.

Visitation for James will be on Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 2 PM until 8 PM at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236.

A funeral service will be 12 PM, Friday,instate at 11 AM, at A.H. Peters Funeral Home.