February 3, 1943 – March 7, 2025
Jim’s funeral service will be livestreamed on Martin Mattice Funeral Home Facebook page.
VISITATION
Friday, March 14, 2025
4:00 – 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Ruthven, Iowa
SERVICE
Saturday, March 15, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Zion Lutheran Church
Ruthven, Iowa
CLERGY
Rev. Eric Patten
INTERMENT
Crown Hill Cemetery
Ruthven, Iowa
Jim Graham, of Spencer, formerly of Ruthven, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on March 7, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on February 3, 1943, to Ervin “Mike” and Myrta (LeClair) Graham, he grew up on a farm north of Ruthven and was proud to be a 1961 graduate of Lake Center School. His patriotism was witnessed by his service in the Army National Guard as a Fire Direction Control Specialist.
Jim was united in marriage to Donna Lee Olsen on August 17, 1969, at Grace Congregational Church in Greenville, Iowa. Their union of over 55 years was blessed with four children: Brenda (Roger) Curtis, Linda (Mark) Taylor, Bob (Angie) Graham, and Laura (Steven) Hallgren who, in turn, gave them 16 grandchildren, Michelle, Jennifer, James, Elsie, Simon, David, Brianna, Emily, Morgan, Jackson, Colsen, Mariah, Sarah, Karalyn, Bryson and Jacquelyn as well as one great granddaughter Meya.
Jim loved being a farmer. Besides forty years of row crop farming, he raised cattle, hogs and sheep on his farm north of Ruthven. Jim also ran a corn shelling operation and managed Corrugated Solutions. Jim served as a member of the Ruthven Co-op Oil board, Ruthven fire board, and Commander of Legion Post 33.
Jim lived a life marked by dedication, hard work, gentleness, and strong faith. His commitment to his community and his honesty left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Jim will be remembered for sharing his love of horses with his grandchildren. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed going to their activities. His family will cherish the memories that were made with Jim, including many card games and his favorite vacation spot, the Badlands of South Dakota.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Myrta Graham, two brothers, Ronald and William, and in-laws Arnold and Clare Olsen.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will be cherished by his wife, children, grandchildren, a brother, Richard (Pat) Graham, in-laws MaryAnn Graham, Marlene (Brad) Cornett, Lawrence (Merrie) Olsen, nieces, nephews, family, and friends who were blessed to have known him.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
martinmatticefuneralhome.com