Mr. James Ronald Graves, Sr., was born on August 15, 1936 to loving parents, Walter Graves and Doris Jean Bradley-Copney in Ironton, Ohio. James was affectionately known as “Ronnie” to his close family and friends.
Ronnie was born in Ironton, Ohio and later moved as a young boy to the west side of Columbus, Ohio. Ronnie attended West High School where he played football and later graduated in 1953. During this time, he fell in love with Sarah Ruth, and through their blessed union bore 3 handsome sons. As a young man, he later began a career with the Bonded Scale Company, as well as Amerisource Bergen; where he later retired after 20 years in 2002. Ronnie was a very hard-working man who proudly continued working into his later years as a Property Maintenance Coordinator for his apartment building Ebner Properties.
Ronnie was a very loving and devoted father and cherished all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved photography and traveling, especially to Ironton to visit with his beloved sister Pat and close family and friends. Throughout his life, Ronnie was highly intelligent, independent, meticulous, and self-sufficient. Ronnie loved watching sports, especially football and basketball. His favorite teams were The Cleveland Browns and OSU football and basketball teams. In his spare time, Ronnie often enjoyed listening to Old School R&B music, watching movies, and TV shows.
On Tuesday morning November 27, 2022, the Lord sent two Angels named Peace and Love to personally escort Ronnie from his home into God’s Kingdom in Heaven. He will be greeted with love by his loving grandmother; Flossie Jean Copney, mother; Doris Jean Copney-Bradley, beloved sister; Patricia Ann Bacon, loving son; James “Jimmy” Graves, Jr., beloved nephew; Mickey Bradley, and great-granddaughter; Creeshawna Jordan.
Ronnie is survived by his loving sons; Richard Graves, Terry Lee Graves, Sr., and Jason Hubert, and special ex-wife; Sarah Ruth Bobbitt. Ronnie’s loving memories will forever live in his grandchildren, grandsons; Anthony D. “Tony” (Freweine) Graves, Jr., Terry Lee (Stefanie) Graves, Jr., granddaughters; Brandia (Timothy Sr.) Graves-Jordan, Alicia “Nikki” (Rayshawn) Graves-Smotherman, Shanelle (Billy Marteina) Graves, Ciara (J.R.) Goodwin Keyona “Tink” (Joseph Edmonds, Sr.) Graves; great-grandsons, Anthony Graves, Jr, Timothy Jordan, Jr., Brandon Jordan, Sr., Jae’Den Goodwin, Jayden Jordan, Javon Goodwin, Joseph Goodwin, Joseph Edmonds, Jr.; great granddaughters; Paris Graves, Amira Graves, SaRiya Graves, Serenity Jordan, Layla Graves, Sophia Graves, Journey Graves, Taryn Graves, Milan Graves, and a host of family and friends who loved Ronnie dearly and will forever live in our hearts.
Visitation 11:00 AM and Funeral Service 12:00 PM Thursday, December 8, 2022 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd.).
Interment at Green Lawn Cemetery.
To the Graves family… You have our deepest sympathy. Ronnie was a peaceful man . I will always remember him washing his car or wiping it down daily, even in the rain, lol . Rest in peace Ronnie.. Say hello to Daniel and my baby Charles
The McGowan , Radford and Freeman family
My sincere condolences to the family, I love you and will pray for you all. Gods Peace, Love and blessings to you.
We can’t begin to imagine what you are feeling, but please let us share our heartfelt condolences. May God you through his word the Bible and the gift of prayer.
With caring thoughts.