John T. Graham, age 79, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2021. “Jack” was an eternal optimist who possessed a quiet confidence and charm. He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Dottie; his twin brother, J.D. (Leanna); his three children: Jack (Kate), Sue Harron (Ed), and Kathleen Graham (Rob Gormley); his five grandchildren: Liam, Katherine, Colin, Lila and Jack; his brother-in-law John Kenney (Brenda); and nieces and nephews. His parents, James and Sue Graham, predeceased by him.
Jack was born in Philadelphia on May 25, 1941. His parents raised him with a strong sense of faith that guided him through his life. They also provided him with a love for sports, poetry and history. Jack and his twin enjoyed nothing more than playing endless hours of basketball for Glading Presbyterian Church and Frankford High School. He went on to play basketball, tennis, and soccer for Susquehanna University, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and earned a B.A. in Business Administration in 1963.
Sales was a natural fit for Jack because of his ability to connect with people. He spent his career working as a Vice President in the steel industry in Philadelphia. While Jack enjoyed his professional life, his true joy came from his family. Jack and Dot raised their three children in Bucks County, Pa. No one was better at entertaining young, active kids. He organized wiffle ball games, took them sailing and created the backyard Olympics. Jack had a gift for making anything fun. He welcomed everyone and enjoyed having a full house, especially at their Ocean City home.
Jack was fortunate to retire early and he and Dottie set out to enjoy the sun, water, and golf of Homosassa, Florida. These golden years were made even more rewarding by the birth of grandchildren, trips to Disney World, watching sunsets and making friends with caring neighbors. The family is most proud of Jack’s commitment to service during this time. As a Kiwanis member and president, Jack was actively involved with the Special Olympics for Citrus County and he coordinated the big band fundraiser for several years. He served as the president of the Men’s Club at the Homosassa Methodist church and for more than 50 years, he was a Mason.
Jack continued to love sports, whether it was watching his grandkids’ games or his Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Because we adored him, this entire Eagles-loving family rooted for Tom Brady in SuperBowl 55 (Thanks, No. 12).
Jack was fond of saying that the most important thing a dad could do for his kids is to love their mother, which he did for over 53 years. Dot took amazing care of him as his health declined and was always sure to make his favorite blueberry pancakes.
A celebration of Jack’s amazing life will take place once it is safe to gather. To honor Jack’s memory, please be patient and kind with someone today. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of John Graham to the Special Olympics Florida or the Kiwanis Children’s Fund (designate Kiwanis of West Citrus ), P.O. Box 6457 - Dept #286, Indianapolis, IN 46206). We will forever remember his Irish eyes smiling. Services entrusted to Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, Florida. www.wilderfuneral.com
Special Olympics Website to donate is https://support.specialolympics.org/a/give-in-your-state?state=fl&sourceid=1041153&ms=google-florida&gclid=CjwKCAiAm-2BBhANEiwAe7eyFJEYWmucRHOuUpZSGDIFFXg7DeB_3eY5HXQdVb8XI0lcqMRx5WIIdRoCGxEQAvD_BwE
Kiwanis Website to donate is https://www2.kiwanis.org/childrensfund/online-donation-form#.YD1FzmhKg9c
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