James Pauling Graves born Sept. 10, 1921 in Lafayette, Indiana, James Pauling Graves was the oldest of nine children of Harry Ainsworth Graves and Dona Swisher Graves. He passed away in his home in Tukwila, Washington on Oct. 15, 2002. In his youth, Jim cut classes at Tec High in Indiana Railroad, acquiring a fascination with railroads that lasted throughout his lifetime. He became an avid collector of railroad timetables, timecards and other railroad memorabilia. Tim stated in an article. "This timetable collecting is a very durable virus; once bitten you never get over it ."
Jim served in the US Army Air Force during World War II, achieving the rank of sergeant. He met and married his spouse of 58 years, Rae Cruz Graves, while stationed at Phoenix, Arizona. In 1945, he moved to the Pacific Northwest. Jim worked as a surveyor for Seattle City Light before retiring in 1978, having made many enduring friendships among his City Light crew members.
During that time he and Rae raised seven children, providing him an opportunity to indulge in his second love-baseball. Much of the family's leisure time revolved around Little League and Babe Ruth League baseball. Jim coached every summer. All of his five sons were talented athletes, excelled not only in baseball, but also in football, basketball and golf. His wife and to daughters provided the cheering section and postgame cupcakes. When he wasn't coaching, he was a very vocal spectator.
Jim was a veracious reader, favoring railroad books, American history and novels by Tom Clancy and Patrick O'Brien. He liked to engage people, and was quick to develop friend-ships. Jim took great delight in his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and particularly enjoyed introducing them to his model train collection.
Jim was devoted to his wife, Rae, and fervently believed in family, supporting his children through their successes and adversities. His Catholic faith was a consolation throughout his live. He is survived by his children; he lost a son in 1975. Jim is also survived by his sublings, Jo Louise Woods, Patricia Walsh, William Graves, Robert Graves, Ruth Fisher, Judith Endersbee and Gary Graves, and was predeceased by a brother, Gerald Graves.
A Memorial Mass in scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 10a.m. at Saint Thomas Catholic Church, 4415-140th Avenue South, Tukwila, Washington. A Reception will follow the ceremony, Jim will be buried at Tohoma National Cemetery after a brief service on Wed, Oct. 23 at 10:30 a..m.
The Seattle Times Sun. Oct. 20, 2002