James McGraw

James Mills McGraw, known fondly as Jim, passed away peacefully on Monday, the 4th of November 2024, at the age of 74, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Born on the 9th of January 1950, in Houston, Jim’s life was filled with warmth, wisdom, and an unfailing sense of humor that brightened the lives of all who knew him.

Jim, a native Houstonian, graduated from Bellaire High School in 1968, making lasting memories and many lifelong friends. Among his most cherished high school memories was serving as a Birdkeeper—a coveted position typically held by the "cool" guys. As one of the nine Birdkeepers, Jim delighted in safeguarding the Cardinal mascot and transporting it to various sporting events to entertain the fans. He particularly loved writing and acting in the hysterically funny skits performed at weekly pep rallies— a talent that sparked his passion for comedic storytelling.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin in 1972 before pursuing his law degree at the University of Houston Law Center. At Texas, he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. While in law school, he served as Executive Editor of the Houston Law Review and later returned as an adjunct professor, helping to shape the next generation of legal professionals.

After six years at the law firm of Reynolds Allen and Cook, Jim and his friends founded the law firm of Looper Reed & McGraw, later Gray Reed & McGraw, where he earned the nickname “the Professor” for his brilliant legal mind and generous mentorship. His encyclopedic legal knowledge and his love of the court established him as a well-known and respected attorney around Houston and beyond. He was an accomplished litigator who represented plaintiffs and defendants in both state and federal courts. Jim loved the law, always carrying a copy of the United States Constitution in his briefcase.

Family was everything to Jim. He took immense pride in his children and grandchildren. He reveled in George and Megan’s many academic and athletic achievements. His dedication as a father shone through in moments like coaching Megan's West University softball team to a first-place victory in 8th grade, and playing a significant role in George's soccer journey, including chaperoning the team on a memorable trip to play in Manchester, England. Jim shared a close and loving relationship with his sister, Vanessa, who looked up to him and supported him wholeheartedly throughout his life. In 2001, fate smiled upon Jim when he reunited with his high school sweetheart, Sally. They married in 2002, so happy and in love, and later she became his devoted and constant caregiver during his ten-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

When not surrounded by his beloved family, Jim found joy in his diverse passions. He was an avid reader with an eclectic taste that ranged from Charles Dickens to Cormac McCarthy. His love for the beach was a constant, whether catching waves along the Texas coast in Freeport and Galveston with his best friend, Jim Reed, or honeymooning in Hawaii with Sally. Music was another joy, with Bruce Springsteen and Ed Sheeran providing the soundtrack to many of his most cherished moments.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Nedra and Floyd McGraw. He is survived by his best friend and beloved wife, Sally, and his cherished family: son George McGraw (Meredith) and their children, Slayden and Sara; daughter Megan MacIntyre (Shaw) and their children, Robbie, Bodie, and Wade; his sister Vanessa Carr (Mike); stepdaughter Carrie Ellis; stepson Danny Ellis (Ashley) and their children, Bowman and Montgomery; and his first wife and mother of his children, Gayle Gordon.

A devoted Christian and dedicated member of the Church of St. John the Divine in Houston, Jim had a steadfast faith in God that sustained him throughout his life, allowing him to accept his diagnosis with grace. As his illness progressed, Jim remained the gentle, witty man his family and friends loved. His family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated individuals and organizations that provided care and support along the way. They wish to thank: CarePartners; The Nantz National Alzheimer’s Center at Houston Methodist Hospital; Dr. Joseph Masdeu, Jim’s neurologist and Director of NNAC; his nurse, friend, and singing partner Dawn Adams; and his friends, nurses, and caregivers at Magnolia Assisted Living and Memory Care in Pearland, especially Moe and Hollie. The unwavering devotion and generosity of these people and organizations made it possible for Jim and countless others to continue to live with dignity and love while navigating the disease of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

A celebration of Jim’s life is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 4th of December in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

For those unable to attend the service in-person, virtual attendance may be accessed by visiting Jim’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com and selecting the "Join Livestream" icon on the service section. While there you may also share fond memories and words of comfort and condolences with his family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed in his memory to CarePartners, 3838 Aberdeen Way, Houston, TX 77025 Attn: Development; or to Houston Methodist Hospital’s the Nantz National Alzheimer’s Center by visiting online at https://givingforms.houstonmethodist.org/NantzGivingForm or by mail Nantz National Alzheimer Center c/o Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 4384, Houston, TX 77210-4384.

Jim will be dearly missed but forever remembered by those whose lives he touched.