James McGraw Obituary

James (Jim) W. McGraw, age 95, passed away September 18, 2025 at Brickmont at West Cobb in Marietta, Georgia. He was born on January 24, 1930, in Greenville South Carolina, the son of the late Alfred McGraw Annie Mae (Sexton) McGraw. Through his journey of 95 years, he touched many lives with his love of music, gracious presence, and his unwavering love of God. His love of music was expressed through the choirs of the churches he attended and the times he was Minister of Music. He also shared his gift of voice in the Barbershop Harmony Society as a tenor in choruses and quartets in the a cappella focused harmony singing. Jim loved being involved in Smyrna Athletics where he coached his three sons and other community youth in basketball and football. His first career was with Edison Brothers Shoes and then Butlers Shoe Corporation. After this successful career he became a Licensed Local Pastor in the United Methodist Church where he joyfully used his many talents to the Glory of God. Jim was a devoted son of God. He was married December 22,1950 to Bernice Barber McGraw, who survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Jean McGraw Hankins (Damon) of Nashville Tennessee; his son, David Lee McGraw (Jan) of Forest, Virginia; his son, Ronald (Ron) Christman McGraw (Maria) of Dallas Georgia; Virgil Lynn McGraw (Kelly), of Poinciana, Florida; seven grandchildren, Beth Hankins Deeb (Matt), J.R. Hankin; Cindy McGraw Hall (Brandon); Stephanie McGraw; Amy McGraw Davids (T.J.); Andy McGraw (Rachel); six great-grandchildren, Dylan Hall; Tanner Hall; Rose Davids; Tyler Davids, Cody McGraw, Luke McGraw; along with many other family and friends who will miss him. Family and friends are welcome to the graveside service to be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Sawnee View Memorial Gardens, 1390 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming Georgia. Please share a memory or condolence with the family at www.nationalcremation.com.