James Edwin Graves

James Edwin Graves, age 88, passed away on November 28, 2025, peacefully reunited with the love of his life, Doris Feathers Graves, and with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was surrounded by all four of his children and his son-in-law. Though we knew his passing was near, we were blessed to share a long list of memories—through both tears and laughter. God was merciful in his final moments.

Jim was born on November 18, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, the son of Hubert “H.J.” Graves and Lillie Nix Graves, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Treadwell High School in Memphis, Tennessee. On June 12, 1961, he married his forever love, Doris, and together they shared a beautiful marriage and their greatest adventures until her passing on January 10, 2009. A former resident of Fayette County, Doris will now be joined by Jim, who will be laid to rest at her side—his favorite place to be. He will also be buried near his beloved dog, Pepper, who remained faithfully by his side after Doris’s passing. Jim was also preceded in death by his sister, Betty Graves Hurley, of Memphis, Tennessee.

A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he is survived by his daughter, Theresa Balentine (Jeff) of Manchester, TN; three sons James Graves (Debbie) of Collierville, TN; Michael Graves of Millington, TN; and Steven Graves of Millington, TN. His greatest treasures were his grandchildren: Scott Balentine (Brandi), Megan Evans (Dylan), Christina Graves, Christopher Graves, and Jonathan Graves (Anyssa). In his words, “When I thought life couldn’t get better,” he became a great-grandfather to Emberlynn Balentine, Poppy Evans, Oliver Evans, and Cas Evans.

Our father was a loving—and dearly loved—hardworking man. Even in his final moments, he longed to be reunited with Jesus and with his wife. A strong man of faith, he was always quick to say he would pray for whatever you needed. Throughout most of his adult life he lived with blindness, slowly losing his sight. What he never lost was his “sight” of what mattered most: his complete devotion to his family. He never missed important events, and each of us received the most joyful “Happy Birthday” song every single year, without fail. He refused to let the loss of his vision limit his life. One of his final adventures was a road trip with his son and buddy, Steve. His determination encouraged us all to live fully, just as he did. He will be deeply missed.

Services will be held at Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland on Friday, December 5, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. The family encourages donations to the Lions Club of Memphis, whose work supports individuals, like our father, who strive to live fully even without sight.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Jeff Balentine, Scott Balentine, Jonathan Graves, Christopher Graves, Brian Schott, and Jonathan Newport. Honorary pallbearers are Oliver Evans and Cas Evans.