James Richard Graddic Sr.

James Richard Graddic, Sr, 70, of Columbus, slipped away to be with the Lord on Monday, November 13, 2023. James was born March 7, 1953, to Margaret Whitener, in Columbus, Ohio.

James’ life career was as a cement finisher for Local 536. His shoes can never be filled; he was so many things to so many people. James loved the holidays and cooking big meals for his family and friends. It was a battle in the kitchen between James and Tearr. His family said that holidays would never be the same again without him.

James battled many medical issues over the last 20 years, including a kidney/liver transplant and a second kidney transplant. God was faithful to him and brought him through all his surgeries.

On April 3, 2013, Olivia, his only grandchild was born and everything changed for James. Olivia gave him a reason and a will for wanting to live despite whatever new health issues he was facing. They had an inseparable bond; all he needed to hear was, “Papa, I love you.”

James was family-oriented to all of his siblings. He was a father figure to all his nieces and nephews, especially Martin, Rodney, and Morgan. They all knew that they could count on “Uncle.”

James was preceded in death by his brother, Rodney Whitener. James leaves to mourn his mother, Margaret Whitener; his wife, Tearr Graddic; his daughter, Tasha Graddic; his son James Graddic; and his granddaughter Olivia Graddic. His brother, Randy (Linette) Graddic; sisters Robbie Holmes, Diane Whitener, Marie Whitener, and Roselyn Whitener; godson, Curtis James; special brother-in-law and friend, Charles Witt; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to William “Will” Witcher for always being there to help his Uncle in his time of need.

“God saw you were getting tired and a cure was not to be.
So He put his arms around you and He whispered come with me.
With tearful eyes we watched you suffer and watched you fade away.
Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating.
Hardworking hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us that He only takes the best.
It’s lonely here without you.
We miss you more each day.
Life doesn’t seem the same since you went away.
When days are sad and lonely, and everything goes wrong, We seem to hear you whisper, Cheer up and carry on.
Each time we see your picture you seem to smile and say, Don’t cry, I’m in God’s hands.
We’ll meet again some day.”

Visitation will be on November 18, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and the funeral will be immediately following at Apostolic Lighthouse Temple Church, 2161 Lehner Road, Columbus, Ohio. Pastor Robert McCaskill officiating. Burial will be at Union Cemetery, 3349 Olentangy River Road.