A memorial service for James Elliot Graham, 85, was held on July 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Tyler.
Mr. Graham died on July 21, 2021, after being diagnosed with and battling the effects of cancer. He was born on October 12, 1935, in Houston to Clark and Martha Ethel (née Bradford) Graham. He was the second of six children and was raised in the Bright Star area near Emory.
He graduated from Emory High School as Mr. EHS. He was a home and commercial builder. He served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany from 1958-1960 as a medic and tank operator. He was the Mayor of Emory from 1980-1986. He loved fishing, gardening and classical music.
He was baptized in a Baptist congregation and then attended Emory United Methodist Church. He married Mary Louise Barrett on June 8, 1957, in Emory and they were married for 35 years. He later married Carole Yarborough on May 14, 2016. They attended Trinity Lutheran Church.
Mr. Graham is survived by wife, Carole Graham; first wife, Mary Louise Graham of Emory; daughter, Penny Blair and husband Ken of Houston, grandchildren, Rob and Andrew; step-children, Andrea, John and Elaine; brothers, William Kelly Graham and wife Trela of Spring, Ron Graham and wife Kris of Bellville, and Ray Graham and wife Jeanine of Frankston; and numerous relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Graham; and sister, Dr. Helen Graham.
Memorial offerings in the name of James Graham may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.