James Baldwin Graves

Jim was born in 1956 in Mt. Lebanon, PA. He graduated from Winchester High School (MA) in 1975. He attended the University of Maine in Orono, where, after praying for a ride to church and someone to talk to (preferably female), he met his ride—and future wife— Joyce. In 1979, he marked two milestones: graduation from college and marriage to his beloved. He later earned his master’s degree in counseling from the University of Phoenix.

Jim spent more than 30 years working with at-risk youth in boarding school settings as a counselor, Dean of Students and Assistant Headmaster, positively impacting the lives of countless teenagers. Towards the end of his career, he also worked with disabled teens and adults through private group homes as well as vocational rehabilitation. In retirement, Jim volunteered and served as chairman of the board for Goldensun Peace Ministries.

Jim had a lifelong calling to the ordained ministry, starting in high school and culminating a half-century later in his ordination as an Episcopal deacon in January of 2026. While Jim’s time as an ordained minister was brief, he served God and his people throughout his life. It was a true vocation that influenced everything he did. As a deacon, Jim assisted with pastoral visits, preached, and volunteered with Hospice of the Valley.

Jim was a man of faith, creativity, and adventure. He found joy in photography and drawing, enjoyed traveling to places new and old, and sitting down in conversation with friends and family—often while sharing a bottle of wine. Jim volunteered as a Boy Scout leader for many years, loved to go camping with his family, and after retirement was able to go on a bucket-list trip to Italy with his wife. Jim and Joyce participated in a local wine club for over 20 years. His faith and church community were central to his life and brought him great comfort and purpose. He participated in many ministries during his life, including singing in the choir, serving as a lay Eucharistic minister, and serving on many Cursillo and United Christian Ashram weekends.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, he is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joyce L. Graves (née Nickerson); his daughter, Christina Priddy and husband, Joel; his son, Aaron Graves and wife, Jillian; and three grandchildren: Delilah, James and Matthew, all of Phoenix, AZ. He is survived by his brothers and sister: Eben Graves of Brunswick, ME; Thomas Graves of Pottsville, PA; Barbara Graves, and her wife, Edy Ambroz, of Brunswick, ME. Jim will also be missed by Joyce’s family: Bernard and Selena Nickerson of Wells, ME and Lynn Cronk Nickerson of Mesa, AZ. He leaves behind ten nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, John H. Graves and Katherine Whittier Graves; his step-mother Jeanne Reeves Graves; and brother, John H. Graves, II. He was also predeceased by Joyce’s parents, Winthrop T. “Nick” Nickerson and Dorothy Wheat Nickerson of Wells, ME, and brother in law Ron Nickerson of Mesa, AZ.

A service celebrating Jim's life will be held at 11am on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Scottsdale, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are welcome in Jim’s name to Goldensun Peace Ministries or the Episcopal Church of the Nativity.