James A. "Jim" Graham
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VIROQUA, WI - A beautiful voice is silenced. A brilliant mind is at rest. A loving heart is fulfilled. James A. "Jim" Graham, age 85, of Viroqua, WI, passed away at home Friday, March 4, 2022. He was born in Defiance, OH July 22, 1936, the son of Kenneth and Frances (Kurivial) Graham. He graduated from Wellston High School in 1954 and went on to study engineering at Ohio State. Jim came to Viroqua with Parks and Nora Robinson who built Viroqua's first radio station in 1958. As "Slim Jim" the disc jockey, he met Ann Dolan, and they fell in love and were married on August 11, 1959 at the old St. Mary's Catholic Church. He proudly served his country in college ROTC and the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany during the 1960s. Jim and Ann had six children in eight years. Believing that he should use his gifts of a beautiful, bass voice and his leadership skills, he spent his life serving God and country. He worked as a disc jockey, sportscaster, newsman, "Man on the Street" and sales manager at WISV/WGBM (WVRQ) for more than 60 years. He had leadership roles in Jaycees, Relay for Life and Boy Scout Troop 75, earning the Silver Beaver award for 25 years of teaching and modeling the scout laws to young men. Along with Ann, he was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where he volunteered as a lector, Eucharistic minister, and CCD teacher. He was active in National Marriage Encounter and Knights of Columbus. Jim and Ann both sang in the choir for more than 40 years. His love of music also inspired him to join the Viroqua Men's Chorus and the 4-2-osity Barbershop quartet. He performed in many musicals and plays at the Viroqua Community Theater and was "the voice of the Temple Theater." He appreciated the beauty of nature, the competition of Wisconsin sports teams, and many loyal friendships, especially long-time friends from Jaycees, work, and the Card Club who played 500 together every month for 40 years.
He is survived by his wife Ann, of more than 62 years; his children: Mary (Al) Wojcik, Michael (Katie), Timothy (Laura), Cathy (Dean) Cress, Sara (Brent) Timmerman, and Brian (Maria); grandchildren: Brianne (Kevin) DuClos, Jacob Looze, Seth, Ainslie, Aubrie and Heath Cleveland, Emma, Megan, James and Anna Graham, Ben Graham and Abby (Gabe) Yelanjian, Mitch, Allison and Rachel Cress, Jack, Sophia and Annie Timmerman and Olivia Graham; one great grandson, Cormac DuClos; brothers, Kenneth (Connie) and Col. John Graham, USAF retired; brother-in-laws Tom (Joyce) Dolan, Dave Thompson, Dennis (Patricia) Dolan; and sister-in-law, Betty (Claude) Doud; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and parents-in-law, John and Ella Dolan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Viroqua with Fr. John Parr officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in St. James Catholic Cemetery, Rising Sun. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Viroqua, and on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Mary's Catholic Church and Boy Scouts, Gateway Area Council.
Special thanks to Gunderson Hospice for their compassionate care. You were like family to us.
Online Condolences: www.thorsonpopp.com