Mr. James Ronald Graves Jr., was born on November 25, 1953 to loving parents James Ronald “Ronnie” Graves Sr. & Sarah Ruth Bobbitt in Columbus, Ohio. James was affectionately known as “Jimmy” & “Jim Bob” to his close family and friends.
James attended East High School and later began a 30-year career with the Timken Steel Company, and became a member of The Knights of Pythias where he later retired in 2002. Jimmy was a very hard-working man who proudly continued working for the First Transit Cota Mainstream finally retiring after 14 years in 2016. James had a very loving marriage of 30 years to his devoted wife Debra Graves who he deeply cherished with all of his heart. James was a loving & devoted father and cherished all of his children, grandchildren & great grandchildren.
Jimmy was full of love and was truly the life of the party. He enjoyed making everyone laugh and always greeted everyone with a huge smile and warm embrace. James was a born leader and teacher of many; especially fishing. Jimmy truly loved fishing and founded The Phillips-Turner Fishing Tournament, which was held annually beginning in 1990 at the banks of Buckeye Lake. He also loved to cook, and was famous for his “Pasta Salad” which he often made for family functions. Jimmy loved football especially the Cincinnati Bengals and OSU. He enjoyed watching movies and watching T.V. He also enjoyed bowling and was in a bowling league when employed with the Timken Company. He loved the outdoors, music and traveling. In his spare time, Jimmy loved spending time with his family, and would perform as the “Original” O’Jay’s during past family reunions.
On Tuesday morning September 20, 2022 the Lord sent two Angels named Peace and Love to personally escort James from his home into God’s Kingdom in Heaven. He will be greeted with love by his loving grandparents, Charles & Ruth Turner; grandmother, Doris Jean Copney-Bradley; and granddaughter, Creeshawna Jordan.
James is survived by his loving parents James R. Graves Sr, Sarah Ruth Bobbitt; devoted wife of 30 years Debra Graves; loving brothers Richard Graves, Terry Lee Graves Sr, and Jason Hubert. James loving memories will forever live in his children: Sons, Anthony D. “Tony” (Freweine) Graves Sr., Lamont (LaShana Lawrence) Ware. Daughters, Brandia (Timothy Sr.) Graves-Jordan, Alicia “Nikki” (Rayshawn) Graves-Smotherman, Shanelle “Shea” (Billy Marteina) Graves, Keyona “Tink” (Joseph Edmonds Sr.) Graves, grandson, Anthony Graves Jr, TyQuez Lawrence, Timothy Jordan Jr., Brandon Jordan Sr., Jayden Jordan, Lamont Ware Jr, Joseph Edmonds Jr., Manny Johnson, Jacob Medhane; granddaughters, Paris Graves, Brianna Ware, Akillah Ware, Aaliyah Ware, Serenity Jordan, Layla Graves, Sophia Graves, Milan Graves, along with 13 great- grandkids and a host of family and friends who loved Jimmy dearly and will forever live in our hearts.
Visitation 9:00 AM and Funeral Service 10:00 AM Saturday, October 8, 2022 at New Jerusalem Progressive Church 5441 Sunbury Road Columbus, Ohio 43230
Interment at Green Lawn Cemetery.
Brandia, my deepest condolences, prayers and love to you and your family in the loss of your Father. May God grant you all the peace that surpasses all understanding
Blessings,
Your Neighbor, Tracee
May Jimmy Graves rest in peace. Many great memories with him my niece and nephew Brandy and Tony, We shared in his love for family on many occasions. May God send his peace, love, and comfort to all of his family.
Some people you think will live forever and you will always have them in your life no matter what. My heart aches because I felt Jimmy was one of those people. Thank you my beloved elder brother Jimmy for being a major part of the Holmes family. Tell my momma and my sister Crystal I love them. I know they are happy to be with you again. Rest in paradise, job well done Jimmy. Love eternally your Sister Marie
Jimmy-Jam,,Wow it’s gonna be something thinking about all those tall tale fish stories that kept me laughing and the way U expressed them, I will be thinking about U and the time we spent together at work ( Cota Mainstream )..Rest In Paridise..MY dear Friend..
REST IN HEAVEN MY FRIEND OF MANY YEARS. Many great memories. You was such a loving person with a heart of gold. You will be missed.
Peace, Blessings and Love!
Jimmy may you Rest In Peace my condolences to Your childrens mom and family you was a lot of joy to our family God got now you will be truly miss love you Rip.
We have such childhood memories of your dad. Your dad was an incredible person. No one can replace him, he will surely be missed. Our condolences, and prayers are with you, love you always, Uncle Timmy and Aunt Denise.
My heart goes out to the Graves family and to Sarah. You all are in my prayers. Jimmy was a beautiful being inside and out he will be missed by everyone.BUT let not your heart be trouble. A day will come when you all will be together again. God bless