James William Graves

James William “Papaw�? Graves age 87, departed this life on Sunday, December 25, 2011 at 7:55 PM. He was born October 8, 1924 in Champaign, IL and was of the Baptist faith. Papaw truly loved his family and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was a dedicated fisherman, having fished all the beautiful lakes all over the southeastern United States. He and Rick Waldermire ran the Tuesday night fishing tournament at Ft. Loudoun Lake for many years. He was a very active volunteer for the Special Olympics for years. Papaw fought in the South Pacific during World War II and retired from the U.S. Army Reserves after 42 years of distinguished service to his country. He received the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forced Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Achievement Medal, Philippines Libertarian Ribbon, and Philippines Independence Ribbon. James retired from Union Carbide Corp. (Y-12) after 33 years of service. Preceded in death by: Loving Wife, Margie Loretta Graves; Son, Michael Ray Graves; Parents, Charles & Lucy Graves; Brothers, Charles Jr. and Jimmie Graves; Brother-in-law, C.F. Simerly; Sister, Sue (Larry) Custen; Special Nephew, Henry David Custen killed in action (Vietnam, February 1969); Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Ora & Myrtle Wheeler; Sister-in-law, Mary Sue (Bill) Fine; Brothers-in-law, Clarence Pete (Imogene) Wheeler, James Russ, Paul Dean, and special brother-in-law, Gordon Lee (Betty) Wheeler (killed in action, Vietnam, March 1969). Left to mourn his passing: Daughter, Teresa (George) Gilbert; Sons, Pat (Jana) Graves and Gary Graves; Sister, Betty Simerly; Grandchildren, Todd, Susan (Brandon), Mycha, Zackery, Angie, and Shane; Great-Grandchildren, Kylie and Brenden, Mason, Maggie and Miles, and Gavin; Special friends, Richard & Bobbie Wilson, Rick and Brenda Hensley, Frank & J.J. Larue, Jason Chambers, Pete Kizer, Alan Giles, Terry & Darlene Coffey. Funeral service will be at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at Smith West Chapel with Rev. Brooky Gray officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Grandview Cemetery for the interment. Family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:00 PM, Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at Smith West Chapel. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James William Graves please visit our Sympathy Store.