James Duane Graham “Jim” passed away on Sunday November 19, 2023 at St. Mary’s hospital in Rochester with his loving family by his side.
Jim was born on June 30,1951 to Ada Dixon Jordan in Clearfield, PA and later adopted by his parents Theodore and Pauline Turner Graham. He grew up in Buffalo, NY. Jim graduated from Union Springs Academy. After graduation, he moved to Loma Linda, CA where he met Vicki Chilson and they were married on June 17,1973. They moved to Rochester and they had two children, Melanie and Tommy. After 15 years of marriage, they got divorced.
Throughout Jim’s life he had a variety of different driving positions. He enjoyed interacting with and meeting new people. After Jim retired, he took a part-time job at Rochester Motor Cars as a shuttle driver where he later became the supervisor of the drivers. He was loved by his coworkers. In 2018, Jim worked security at Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis. His children thought it was a crazy idea for him to work security, but the stories he shared and the smiles he showed afterwards was worth it.
Some of Jim’s hobbies included jumping in his mustang convertible and heading down to the river, singing karaoke, spending time with his children and grandkids and watching his favorite football teams, the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills. At a young age, Jim developed his musical ability, love and talent learning to play the piano and accordion. He played both beautifully by ear. His friends and family enjoyed his musical talent, especially when he played his accordion. The children would especially be in awe as he played that big squeeze box.
Jim is survived by his children Melanie Condado (Ruben) Rochester, Thomas Graham (Tricia) Kasson, his grandchildren Abigail, Andrew and Alex Condado and Ellianna and Kian Graham, his sisters Betty Coble Drifting, PA and Lynda Fisher (Bob), Fleming, PA.
He is preceded in death by his biological mother, his adopted parents, sister Dorothy Bauman and brothers Randall Jordan and Terry Jordan.
A memorial service will be held at 5:30 pm on Saturday December 16, 2023 at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 410 3rd Avenue SW, Dodge Center, MN with visitation one hour prior to service. There will be a private burial at a later date in the Douglas Cemetery.
Dad, you are greatly missed and we look forward to seeing you on that Glorious Resurrection Day.
Memories and condolences of Jim may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
Sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. I am sure he is dancing in the sky with his puppy, looking down smiling and watching over his family. So sorry for your loss.
Jim. I always enjoyed visiting with you. You were always kind. You had a good sense of humor, you had tremendous talent, and we loved to listen to you play the piano and accordion. You are missed!! We look forward to that glorious day!!!
My heart is broken. There just wasn’t enough time. You are going to be missed but never forgotten. Until we see each other again be sure to follow the Nittany Lions and I’ll cheer on the Vikings!! I love you brother!
The Lord will fight for you, you only need to be still. Exodus 14:14.
Love you guys so much.