James “Jim” Frederick Graves, Jr., M.D. was born on February 8, 1947 to James and Ruth (Byers) Graves in Monticello, Kentucky. He passed away on September 15, 2020 at UF Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida at the age of 73.
Family
Jim was preceded in death by his grandfather, David Byers, his grandmother Flonnie Byers, and his parents, James and Ruth Graves. He is survived by his loving wife Alecia (Franklin) Graves of 43 years. Additionally Jim is survived by his son James F. Graves III, (Laurel); his daughter Jordan Rudolph (Jimmy), four grandchildren Amos G., Hildi G., Jane R., and Samuel R. He is also survived by his brother David (Becky), sister Debbie (Denis), brother in law Don Franklin (Linda) and several nieces and nephews.
Life
Jim attended the University of Kentucky and received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He also graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Medicine in 1973 and earned a Masters Degree from Wright State University in Public Health.
Jim loved telling people about Jesus. He served as a missionary intern in Ajloun, Jordan at the Baptist Hospital for the International Mission Board. He also went to Bangalore, India to teach Advanced Cardiac Life Support to the physicians and nurses at the Bangalore Baptist Hospital. Both Jim and Alecia served with the Foreign Mission Board, now International Mission Board, when they went to Nalerigu, Ghana in West Africa working at the Baptist Hospital.
Military
Jim was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1977, becoming a Flight Surgeon, and rising to the rank of Commander after 17 years of service. Commander Graves was the Chief Medical Officer on several different ships during his years of service including the USS Independence, USS Concord, USS Lexington, USS Midway and served forwardly during Operation Desert Shield.
Commander Graves was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, a Navy Unit Commendation, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon as well as the Navy Sharpshooter Pistol designation.
Services
A graveside service to celebrate the life of Jim Graves is still in the process of scheduling. He will be buried at a National Cemetery and the Navy will provide military honors.
Special Acknowledgements
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that all memorial contributions be made towards the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering which supports Southern Baptist missionaries serving among unreached peoples all over the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Commander Jim Graves, M.D. But I have met his children, Jimmy & Jordan and his wife Alecia. What a legacy he leaves. Judging by the entire book of his life, a medical school graduate, working as a couple in Southern Baptist Medical Missions, serving his nation in our Navy and attaining the O-5 promotion, his children earning graduate degrees, I wish I had known him. We know as Christians that to be absent from the body is to be present with our Lord. Thank you Dr Graves for all the lives you helped on this earth.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Commander Graves’ wife, children and grandchildren. His life and works have positively touched many lives. Hilda Jamison, Sue Ferber and Jay Felty
Alecia, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. You, the children, grandchildren, and all of Jim’s family are in my thoughts and prayers. Darlene
Deepest sympathy to all the family and our prayers for peace. We know Dr. Graves was a fine man because of the character of his family.
Alecia and Family,
I’m sorry to hear about Jim’s death. I did not know him but it appears to me he was a Godly man. I pray that our Great God will give you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Know that from the Deacons and members of Pickens First Baptist Church will be praying for you and your family.
May all of you feel God’s ever so near during this time.
David Harper
I am so Sorry for your Loss. I did not see this until today. I Actually wrote the President about Dr Graves today. I saw all the Pardons he was handling out and I just could help myself!! Then I went to the Facebook page and found he was in the Arms of Jesus!! His Name will be Cleared Now!! I have Prayed for all of you for years. I know Dr Graves wanted to be with his Beautiful Family, but I hope you know what a Light he was in a otherwise Dark Place. Love you Guys!! 🙏🙏❤️❤️.
Stephen Golding
Stephen GoldingMercy for Dr. James F. Graves
36m ·
I AM SORRY TO READ ABOUT DR, GRAVES. I do not do facebook well. i served with DR. GRAVES on the indy dung the gulf war deployment as his senior operating room tech and was his LPO for his er and or. I thought very highly of DR. GRAVES AND was sad to hear about his prblems. We both have served the crew and shp with our best ability. DR. GRAVES DESERVED BETTER WHILE HE WAS THE S,M,O. I WILL CONTINUE TO MISS HIM AND think well of the ma, DR. GRAVES serve the ship wish honer.. I WILL PRAYER FOR HIM AND HIS family.