James F “Jim/Jimmy” Graves (February 2, 2013)

James F “Jim/Jimmy” Graves, age 80, of Covington, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 5:15 AM at his residence. He was born on June 9, 1932 in Versailles, Ohio, to the late Chell & Lottie (Nixon) Graves.

He is survived by his wife Wilma (Staudt) Graves of Covington, Ohio, whom he married on November 23, 1979; daughter Jill Graves of Verona, Ohio; sons and daughters in law, Tim & Cathy Graves of Versailles, Ohio, and Cary & Tess Graves of Piqua, Ohio; step daughter and caregiver Janet Etter of Covington, Ohio; step daughter in law Marianne Etter of Covington, Ohio; grandchildren, Jaimee Strayer, Jessica (Doug) Barry, Jim (Mandy) Graves, Stacy (Derek) Dirksen, Christy Graves, Charles Graves, Casey Graves and Clayton Graves; great grandchildren, Cora, Andrew, Justin, Briana, Carly, Andrea, Grady and Easton; step grandchildren, Amanda Turner, Sarah Bullis, Ross Etter, Grace Meyer, Paul Etter and Vicki Etter; step great grandchildren, Lilly, Sandy and Joann; sister in law Cecilia Etter of Versailles, Ohio.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by brothers, Joe and Charles Graves; sisters, Christine Weedman and Mary Lou young; step daughter Sandy Etter; step son John Etter.

Jimmy was a member of the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He retired from General Motors in Dayton after 32 years of service. He was a member of the Versailles Masonic Lodge #290 and 32nd Degree Mason of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton. He loved gardening, fishing, and Harness Races at The Great Darke County Fair.

The Versailles Masonic Lodge will be conducting a Masonic Memorial Service on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles, Ohio. A service will follow with Pastor Ed Ellis officiating. A burial will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date. Family will receive friends prior to the service on Wednesday from 3-7 PM at the funeral home.

It is the wishes of the family that memorial contributions be given to the Miami County Hospice. Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com