Obituary
Jack L. Graves passed away at his home on Sunday morning December 6th in the Villages, Florida after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was born May 5, 1945 to Lawrence J Graves and Lucille Farran Graves in Elmira, New York. He is survived by his wife Patricia Walker Graves, son James Graves and his wife Michelle Jacobellis, grandson Jason Graves, brothers Terry Graves and Paul Graves, sister Cheryl Graves Caster along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Patricia and Jack met while they were in the Army at Fort McClellan, Alabama and married at Tampa, Florida in 1969. They moved to Bridgeport, New York shortly after where they had their sons, James and Alan Graves.
As an electrician for Anheuser Busch in Baldwinsville, New York, Jack worked for a time alongside his brother, Terry and son James at the brewery. He and Patricia resided in Liverpool, New York until moving to the Villages in Florida after retiring in. Here they remained active through CERT programs, participating in community drives, bike riding and being regulars on the pickle ball courts.
Known to his sons as “Pops”, Jack was well known for his organization and determination to bike ride anytime he could put two wheels on the road in search of the best ice cream and BBQ joints. If he wasn’t on the road with his wife of 51 years, he was planning their next trip. Patricia and Jack traveled the backroads of the US to China over the years. Not only stopping to smell the flowers, they were always looking to the next destination with piles of stories collected along the way. As an avid reader, he was more of the listening type rather than the guy who had to top you for a discussion. He had advice to give, but never pushed it as his way or the highway. Jack will be remembered for his understanding and kindness when others would struggle to find that balance. He’ll also be fondly remembered for taking family and friends on some brutally entertaining bike rides that at times seemed to be to nowhere. Jack L. Graves may be gone but he will not be forgotten as a thoughtfully caring son, brother, father, lover and all around great guy. He will be truly missed…
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