James Edwin Graves

James “Jim” Edwin Graves, 64, of Citrus Heights, CA., passed away Wednesday September 21, 2016 peacefully at his home surrounded by his lovely wife and children after a courageous battle against esophageal and liver cancer.

A celebration of his life will take place Saturday October 1, 2016 at 10:00am. The service will take place at Mount Vernon Memorial Park and Mortuary located at 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, CA. 95628. Reverend George Dawson will be officiating. Memorials may be sent to the Mortuary on Friday September 30th for the service.

Jim was born February 21, 1952 in Sacramento, CA. the eighth and final child to William and Lucille Graves. He graduated from Encina High School in 1970 and went on to serve his country in the US Army. After suffering a life threatening injury while serving in Vietnam he returned home a permanently disabled veteran. He married his high school sweetheart and had 2 children, his son JD in 1975 and daughter Amy in 1977. He worked for Lovatie Brothers delivering wine and spirits for the next 10 years. In 1981, he entered the Academy for the California State Police and served his community for the remainder of his working career until his retirement in 2006.

During his time as a police officer he served many roles, from street patrol to special investigations. His most distinguish honor was to serve several governors and key dignitaries in their security detail(s) in a department retained through a merger with the California Highway Patrol. He continued until his retirement where he spent the final years of his career working with the Department of Threat Assessment, a distinguished division of the CHP.

In his personal life, he was a self-described ordinary man who others would describe as an extraordinary person. His influence and reach on people was unparalleled and beyond measurement. In 1996, he married his one true love, Cathy. As his children grew into young adults and his working career came to a close he began to enjoy several hobbies and interests that he shared with his wife. He loved the outdoors and most activities that occurred outdoors, from raising different animals to camping, fishing, hunting and golf. When he wanted a break from the outdoors and more intimate time with Cathy, they enjoyed bowling and entertaining others in several different settings.

Jim is survived by his two children JD Graves of Braselton, GA and Amy Marcantelli of Citrus Heights, CA. and there spouses Alice and Will, and his grandchildren DJ & Alyssa Graves, Tyler Albright & Mikayla Marcantelli and his wife Cathy Graves and her 3 children, Bobby, Gene and Christina and collectively there children Kayla, Adelyn, Logan and Westley. His older brother Bill, his sisters Barbara, Ginny, Sharon and Cathy, sister in law Melody survive him along with several nieces and nephews and their children.

His parents Bill and Lucille Graves, his older sister Carol, his twin brother Jack Graves and brother in law Rex preceded him in death.

The family invites you to an extended celebration of his life to take place at the family residence located at 7828 Mariposa Ave. Citrus Heights, CA. 95610 immediately following the CHP transport of his remains to the residence. Memorials sent to the Mortuary will be transported to the residence and guests are asked to bring a favorite side dish that you loved to share with Jim. Side dishes are not required and catering with hosted beverages will be provided in a backyard BBQ setting. Guests are encouraged to bring a change of attire to match the setting that will be provided during the celebration.