James G. DeGraff, 68, aka "Jim" died at his home on Monday May 26, 2008, following a courageous battle with cancer (mesothelioma) from asbestos exposure.
He was born March 14, 1940, in Caledonia, Wisconsin to the late Jacob and Irene DeGraff. He graduated from Stratford High School in 1958 and attended college in River Falls, WI. Jim served in the U.S. Navy for 3 years 1961-1963 and was a plank owner on the USS Francis Marion APA-LPA 249.
In 1964, Jim moved to Courtland, Virginia and began working for Union Camp, now International Paper. Having worked for the company for 44 years, Jim finally retired as of January 1, 2008. During these numerous years, Jim made many friends and touched the lives of countless people.
Jim was a member, deacon of the Courtland Baptist Church. He was a member of the Bronco Rod and Gun Club where he was very active and served on the Executive Board of Supervisors. He also belonged to the Franklin Moose Lodge where he served as Officer, Governor, Secretary and Treasurer for many years. He also participated in the Little Theater of Franklin, VA, and he was the assistant Scout master for the Boy Scouts of America Troop #211 of Courtland, VA where he was a member of the Order of the Arrow. For many years, Jim participated with his wife in dog obedience training, and assisted her with DeGraff Studios making and selling jewelry at craft shows.
Jim is survived by the love of his life and wife of 24 years, Alice, his daughter and her partner, Jodi DeGraff and Nick Fetty of Florida; his step son and his wife, Travis and Tracey Benson of Sedley; his step daughter and her husband of Calgary, Loren and Darren Burt; nine grandchildren, Aaron and Kala Babb, Steven, Jason, Justin and Jacqueline Burt, Reagan, Riley, and Ryann Benson; two sisters, Jennie Goldbach of Florida, Irene Wojcik of Wisconsin, and one brother Jake DeGraff of Wisconsin. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Bettie Bercklin, Janice Kaminski.
Funeral services for James G. DeGraff, with military honors will be held graveside at Mount Horeb Cemetery, Mount Horeb Road in Handsom, VA on Wednesday May 28, 2008 at 5 pm. Tommy Speight, pastor, will officiate. Relatives and friends are welcome at the Wright Funeral Home, 206 West Fourth Avenue, Franklin, VA on Tuesday May 27, 2008 from 7-8:30 pm for viewing. The following people have been requested to be pallbearers: Jerry Joyner, Steve Parker, Earl Gunn, Harvey Umphlett, Billy Cornwell, David Rook, Jeff Crews and Brian Midyett.
Memorial donations may be made to Courtland Baptist Church building fund in his name. We would like to thank Terry Blythe and Dr. Ponder with the hospice association and our family and many friends for their help and support. www.wrightfuneralhome.org