James Albert Graves

August 2, 1946 - May 22, 2023

Jim was born in Columbia, Tennessee on August 2, 1946, and left his life on Earth to be with his Lord and Savior on May 22, 2023 in Barstow, CA, at the age of 76. He is preceded in death by his father Frank, mother Lettie B, sisters Glenda and Betty Jo, and brother Billy. He is survived by his wife Gloria, son Larry, daughters Martha and Cheryl, nine grandchildren: Christina (Junior), J. R. (Tabitha), Larry (Jessica), Matthew, Clarissa, Marisa, Mandalee (Joseph), Kaela, and Roberta, nine great-grandchildren: D. J., Jay, Jenna, Bryce, Arianna, Lilly, Addi, Kolton, and Matthew, and many nieces and nephews.

He was a loving, caring and devoted husband, father and Paw Paw. He served in the United States Army, and after boot camp, was sent to Vietnam for 18 months. He served the remainder of his three-year tour at Fort Irwin, where he met his wife of 52 years. After he was discharged, he remained in Barstow.

He started his civilian career at Fort Irwin as a Fireman/Security Guard, transferred to the Marine Base as a Warehouseman, then transferred to the Licensing Unit as Materials Handling Equipment Instructor and Licensing Examiner. He then transferred to the warehouses as a supervisor, and then returned to his old position as MHE Instructor and Licensing Examiner, retiring from this position in 2001.

A viewing will be held at Mead Mortuary on Wednesday June 14th from 9:00AM - 11:00AM, followed by services at 11:00AM - 12:00PM, and a graveside service at Mountain View Memorial Park Cemetery at 12:00PM. Please feel free to dress casually and wear Tennessee Orange.