John David Graham

John was born on June 23rd, in McKeesport Pennsylvania in 1948, as the middle son of three boys. After high school graduation he moved to Wilmore Kentucky to attend Asbury College where he graduated in 1971 with a degree in theology. Traveling in his van around the country after graduation, he searched to find a place and people where he could fit in, until he met his wife, and “only friend” Kathleen in 1976.

Throughout his life, John pursued many paths: owning a tile construction business in San Antonio, Texas; pastoring churches in Ohio, working as a journalist for the Piqua Daily, earning a master’s degree from Earlham College in Richmond Indiana; and founding Good Samaritan Home, based in Greenville OH, which expanded to Dayton Ohio in 2011. GSH is a nonprofit organization that gives thousands of men and women the opportunity to rebuild their lives after prison. While establishing the GSH, John earned his PHD from Northern Seminary in Chicago Il.

His greatest accomplishment came in 2023 when, after ten years of dedication, he published his novel “Running as Fast as I Can”, sharing his personal story of trauma, hope, and healing. Which has since won 49 literary awards. In the last few years of John’s life he dedicated his time and energy to remind people about the human spirit—the spirit of compassion, kindness, and the responsibility we all share to speak up and take action. He believed that there comes a time for each of us when we must take a position, not based on what is safe, political, or popular, but based on what our conscience tells us is the right thing to do.

The day before his passing, John posted a prophetic video referencing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” (April 3, 1968). John shared in this last video:

“Like anybody, I want to live a long life, but if I don’t survive this surgery tomorrow, I can die satisfied that I have made a difference. I have lived my faith in my home and in the streets, where it matters most. Like Dr. King said, “I have been to the mountain top, I have seen the other side and I am not worried about anything now.”

His life was a testament to faith in action. John believed that “life was written in pencil” and that everyone deserves a second chance—even a third. He dedicated his life to helping the broken, the forgotten, and those who had no hope or voice. This was demonstrated not by his words, but his deeds. His life was lived through action—serving, loving, and walking the streets, where most people would not dare to go. His compassion and commitment to giving hope to the hopeless left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Kathleen Ann Graham (Fitzpatrick); his children, Chris David Graham (age 48) and Catherine Elizabeth Graham, now Catherine Blazer (age 47), and son-in-law Aaron Blazer; his stepdaughter, Analisa Selden; and his cherished grandchildren: Lillian Grace Graham (age 19), Luke David Graham (age 16), Caitlyn Jolene Blazer (age 16), and Madeline Elizabeth Blazer (age 14) and brothers, Don and Robert. A funeral service will be held at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville, Ohio, on January 21, 2026. Gathering time will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with remarks beginning at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to come and share how John may have impacted their lives. Service will be livestreamed on the Zechar Bailey Facebook page beginning no earlier than 12:55 p.m..

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Samaritan Home.