Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Jim Graves
James A. Graves, 61, of Rock Falls, passed away at home in the loving care of his family and St. Croix Hospice early Sunday morning, January 19, 2020.
James Arthur Graves was born Feb. 1, 1958, in Hennepin County of Minnesota, the son of Robert and Patricia (Pope) Graves. As an infant his parents moved back to the Rock Falls area, and other than his time spent in the army he lived all of his life in the rural Rock Falls area. Jim was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rock Falls, attended Grandview Elementary School and Durand High School. Jim served in Germany, Kentucky, Korea, and Arizona, during his 8 year enlistment in the United States Army. While in the service he was united in marriage to Linda Sue Jackson on July 24, 1976, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rock Falls. After his honorable discharge he returned with his young family back to Rock Falls, where he began his working career as a machinist, mechanic and welder. With this ability, he had worked at Remington Auto Salvage, for Sears, Myer Utility Structures out of
Hager City, and eventually with Cliff Industrial of Eau Claire.
Jim loved the outdoors and spent as much time as he could taking it all in. He enjoyed living in Wisconsin, especially when it came to fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and riding ATVs. While in the service he was fond of the traveling and after that he looked forward to his vacations with his wife and family driving through nearly all the 50 states. At home some of his favorite pastimes were spent on his woodworking projects, cooking for his family and taking care of his grandchildren. Jim lived life to the fullest and over the years cherished the visits and time spent with family and friends. He fought a courageous battle when stricken with cancer and unwilling to give in to what he was dealt, he fought with grace and dignity to the end.
Jim will be dearly missed by Linda, his loving wife of 43 years; 2 sons, Michael and Carrie Graves of Glenwood City, Marcus Graves of Rock Falls; 2 grandchildren, Elijah Obermueller and Easten Graves; mother Patricia Biesterveld of Meridean; 2 brothers, David Biesterveld (Sharene) of Rock Falls, Alan and Sue Biesterveld and daughters Ashley and Hannah of Eau Claire; sister, Kathy and Jim Buse and daughter Jordyn of Augusta; special friends, Tim and Jean Eisold of Eau Claire, Eric Theis of Augusta, Steve Dooley of Rock Falls; faithful canine companion Tina; nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Jim was preceded in death by his father Robert; sister Ann Biesterveld; maternal grandparents, George Pope and Charlotte Auberg; and paternal grandparents, Warren and Mary Graves.
A visitation will be held Thursday, January 23. 2020, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Smith Funeral Chapel at 2222 London Road in Eau Claire, where a funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. at the chapel.
Following services a lunch will be served at this location. The family is also assisted by the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta.
