James N. Graves Jr.

After a peaceful passing at home surrounded by family, James Nelson Graves, Jr. (Jimmy), aged 96, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Sept. 1.

He was born March 31, 1921 in Harwood, TX to James Nelson Graves, Sr. and Kitty Willie McCoy Graves.

At age 17, James joined the Civilian Conservation Corps building state parks. He then joined the Marine Corps serving his country honorably for all 5 years of WWII. He retired as a firefighter for the Air Force.

James married Millie Kathleen Ellis, of San Marcos, on August 12, 1950 and celebrated 67 years of marriage on August 12, 2017. Together they raised 5 children in Austin, TX. James loved to travel the Southwest with his family. A proud American and Christian, he loved to spread the word of God. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marines never left him, as friends and family will attest.

Survivors include his wife, Millie Kathleen Graves, daughters Janice Kathleen Graves Rasmussen, Shirley Jean Graves and Mary Ann Graves Gordoa, sons James Nelson Graves III and John David Graves, granddaughters Summer Dawn Graves Keatley, Shawna Marie Graves, and Erin Lynnette Howard, grandsons Benjamin Ryder Howard and Thomas Houston Howard, great-granddaughters Penelope LaNelle Howard and Lilith Jane Howard, and great-grandson Desmond Ryder Howard. Also surviving are numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Judy Abraham, Lillie Graves, and Grace Senterfitt, and brothers T.W Graves and Cecil Clyde Graves.

Family and friends paid tribute to James with visitation on Thursday, Sept. 7 from 6-8 p.m. and funeral services at 1 p.m., both at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, TX. The service was officiated by Pastor Bill Hart. Burial with military honors to follow immediately after.