James "Jim" Edward Graham

James “Jim” Edward Graham, age 86, passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Jim was born on August 4, 1938 at Women’s Hospital (McLaren) in Flint, Michigan, the son of R.B. and Mercella (Morey) Graham. 

Jim grew up in Fenton and graduated from Fenton High School in 1956. He was further educated at Michigan Technological University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1960. He served nine years in the U.S. Army Reserves (Signal Corps), attained the rank of Captain and was honorably discharged. Jim was employed by General Electric and Colt Industries for a combined total of over twenty years in several engineering and marketing positions. He then operated his own engineering/consulting firm, Nashua Magnetics, for another decade before retiring at age 55. 

On July 15, 1995, Jim married Gwen (Baker) O’Donnell at the Fenton United Methodist Church. The next ten years found him wintering in the Florida Keys and summering on the Great Lakes on his 32’ sailboat with his wife and 1st mate. The latter years of his life were spent in the Fenton area enjoying his family and friends. At various times he was also a registered professional engineer, private pilot, emergency medical tech, and ham radio operator. In his younger days, Jim liked to hunt, fish, ski, and play tennis. He loved old time hillbilly music and often played guitar in a C & W band while a resident of New Hampshire. He was a member of the Fenton Moose and the Fenton Eagles where he had many friends. 

He is survived by his wife, Gwen; his son, Andrew O’Donnell (Dana); grandsons Everhett, Ryatt, and Jameson O’Donnell; nephew, Greg (Gretchen) Policka; two grandnieces and one grand- nephew; cousin Gerald (Joan) Graham; sister-in-law, Roberta Baker; and dear friends - Larry Hooten (68 years of friendship since college years), Tony Mancini, and Tim Szymanski. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Marcia Graham Policka; brother-in-law Mike Policka; son Brian O’Donnell; cousins and great friends Jan (Sharon) Graham and Richard (Carol) Graham. 

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Jim’s medical team at Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, and to the Heartland Hospice of Flint Care Team - Chad, Cece, Chaplain David, Sarah Lynn, Anisha and Samantha. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Memories of Jim may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

Visitation: Sunday, August 18, 2024 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Monday, August 19, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Sharp Funeral Homes Fenton Chapel 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton, MI 48430 

Funeral: Monday, August 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Chaplain David Owen officiating and Pastor Jeff Jaggers co-officiating at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel. The service will be live streamed and may be viewed below Jim's obituary here.

Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, Michigan