James Ronald Graves Jr.

Mr. James Ronald Graves Jr., was born on November 25, 1953 to loving parents James Ronald “Ronnie” Graves Sr. & Sarah Ruth Bobbitt in Columbus, Ohio. James was affectionately known as “Jimmy” & “Jim Bob” to his close family and friends.

James attended East High School and later began a 30-year career with the Timken Steel Company, and became a member of The Knights of Pythias where he later retired in 2002. Jimmy was a very hard-working man who proudly continued working for the First Transit Cota Mainstream finally retiring after 14 years in 2016. James had a very loving marriage of 30 years to his devoted wife Debra Graves who he deeply cherished with all of his heart. James was a loving & devoted father and cherished all of his children, grandchildren & great grandchildren.

Jimmy was full of love and was truly the life of the party. He enjoyed making everyone laugh and always greeted everyone with a huge smile and warm embrace. James was a born leader and teacher of many; especially fishing. Jimmy truly loved fishing and founded The Phillips-Turner Fishing Tournament, which was held annually beginning in 1990 at the banks of Buckeye Lake. He also loved to cook, and was famous for his “Pasta Salad” which he often made for family functions. Jimmy loved football especially the Cincinnati Bengals and OSU. He enjoyed watching movies and watching T.V. He also enjoyed bowling and was in a bowling league when employed with the Timken Company. He loved the outdoors, music and traveling. In his spare time, Jimmy loved spending time with his family, and would perform as the “Original” O’Jay’s during past family reunions.

On Tuesday morning September 20, 2022 the Lord sent two Angels named Peace and Love to personally escort James from his home into God’s Kingdom in Heaven. He will be greeted with love by his loving grandparents, Charles & Ruth Turner; grandmother, Doris Jean Copney-Bradley; and granddaughter, Creeshawna Jordan.

James is survived by his loving parents James R. Graves Sr, Sarah Ruth Bobbitt; devoted wife of 30 years Debra Graves; loving brothers Richard Graves, Terry Lee Graves Sr, and Jason Hubert. James loving memories will forever live in his children: Sons, Anthony D. “Tony” (Freweine) Graves Sr., Lamont (LaShana Lawrence) Ware. Daughters, Brandia (Timothy Sr.) Graves-Jordan, Alicia “Nikki” (Rayshawn) Graves-Smotherman, Shanelle “Shea” (Billy Marteina) Graves, Keyona “Tink” (Joseph Edmonds Sr.) Graves, grandson, Anthony Graves Jr, TyQuez Lawrence, Timothy Jordan Jr., Brandon Jordan Sr., Jayden Jordan, Lamont Ware Jr, Joseph Edmonds Jr., Manny Johnson, Jacob Medhane; granddaughters, Paris Graves, Brianna Ware, Akillah Ware, Aaliyah Ware, Serenity Jordan, Layla Graves, Sophia Graves, Milan Graves, along with 13 great- grandkids and a host of family and friends who loved Jimmy dearly and will forever live in our hearts.

Visitation 9:00 AM and Funeral Service 10:00 AM Saturday, October 8, 2022 at New Jerusalem Progressive Church 5441 Sunbury Road Columbus, Ohio 43230

Interment at Green Lawn Cemetery.