Mr. James L. Graham II

Mr. James L. Graham II was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

James was born on July 5, 1943 in Birmingham, New York. He was the son of Alice and James Graham and was raised by his grandmother, aunts and uncle. James grew up in Birmingham, New York.

A typical teenager, James had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

On February 8, 1973 James exchanged wedding vows with En Thi in a police department of Saigon, Vietnam. Empathic and loyal, James was committed to making his new family happy.

James worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. James was blessed with three children, two daughters, Thai Lan and Julie, and one son, James III. Another blessing for James was the gift of two grandchildren, James IV, and Sophia.

Fortunately, James enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, James worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was electrical engineering. He was employed for 40 years by the Navy, North Island, Dala Avco, General Dynamics, and Smith Industries. James always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

James was a Navy veteran. He spent the majority of his service time in Vietnam. James saw action in the Vietnam War. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of E-6 Petty Officer- Operations Specialist First Class. He received several awards recognizing him for his service, including a Purple Heart and a Silver Star. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

James enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were history, politics, reading, animals, fishing, traveling and gambling. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

James found pleasure in sports. In high school, James played football. James was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were baseball and football.

James was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. So it is little wonder that he took an active role in his community, serving on committees for the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and San Diego (Chapter II) of Disabled Americans.

James’s faith was important to him. He was a Buddhist for 35 years.

James enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. His favorite vacations included traveling to Hawaii, Arizona, and Las Vegas.

James was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Some of his favorites were dogs and cats.

When James’s retirement finally arrived in 2001, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in traveling and gambling. Even in retirement, James continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. James was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

James passed away on July 9, 2010 at home in San Diego, California due to heart failure. He is survived by his wife En; three children, Thai Lan, Julie, and James III; and his two grandchildren, James IV and Sophia. Services were held at The Little Chapel of the Roses.

Simply stated, James was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. James leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Mr. James L. Graham II.