James Willis Graham

James Willis Graham, 87 of Dover, died peacefully at his home on Monday, January 14, 2013.Jim was born August 15, 1925 in Le Sueur County, MN to Fred and Elizabeth (Carter) Graham. As a child, Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother, Clarence, and as an adult, working with their Belgian horses and cows. He attended country school in Le Sueur County and joined the United States Navy in 1943. Jim served on the USS Smalley during WWII as a Seaman First Class, being honorably discharged in 1946 after being present at the signing of the Peace Treaty. On November 15, 1947 he was united in marriage with Pauline Flowers. Jim was a farmer throughout his entire life and truly loved being on the farm. He continued to milk cows until he was 82 years old. Jim was a member of the National Rifle Association, the Eyota American Legion and a former member of Wesleyan Methodist Church in Albert Lea. If someone needed help, Jim was there, he would give the shirt off his back if he knew you needed it. Relationships were very important to him, and he would rather take the short end of the stick in a business deal then risk his relationship with the other person. His family meant the world to him, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; growing up, his grandchildren remember him as always being firm with them, but yet always compassionate and understanding. He will truly be missed.Jim is survived by his wife, Pauline; three children, Eileen Loverink of Hollandale, Larry (Chris) Graham of St. Charles and Sandra (Steven) LaBare of Dover; seven grandchildren, David LaBare; Marshall & Jared Graham; Brett, Matthew & Kurt Loverink, and Cassandra Pressnall; 18 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and a brother, Clarence Graham of St. Peter. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Mary (George) Gilsrud and Margie (John) Burns; and a sister-in-law, Dolores Graham. Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 18, 2013 at St. Charles Bible Church with the Reverends James Barnhart and Dwight LaPine officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Dover where the Eyota American Legion Post #551 will perform full military honors. Visitation will be 5 - 8 p.m., Thursday at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service in St. Charles and one hour prior to the service at church.Please share a memory of Jim, sign his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/365458