James Lee Graham, 91, of Ames, died May 21, 2023 at Northridge Village.
He was born April 15, 1932 to Esther and James from Dexter.
He was born April 15, 1932 to Esther and James from Dexter, Iowa. James was proud of the fact that he attended Penn #3, a country school. He often joked about running a six- mile trapline before school where he trapped racoons, skunks. “Sometimes I didn’t smell so good as I carried my gun into the school house”.
He graduated from Dexfield High in 1950. After graduation, he entered the Navy specializing inintercepting Morse code messages. He worked for the telephone company in Ames for over 35 years.
James would tell his children how he was given fifty cents on the weekend. “I could buy a haircut, a sandwich and have change leftover for a movie.”
James was a learned man. He taught himself about Morse code, becoming a certified ham radio operator at 16, one of the youngest in the state of Iowa. He carried this skill into the Navy, where he served overseas during post WWII era.
“I learned how to shoot and throw a knife from someone involved in the shootout of Bonnie and Clyde,” James would start a conversation. He loved re-telling stories about his childhood. Bonnie and Clyde – The Iowa Connection was published when James was 90 years old.
James agreed to a blind date where a spunky gal named Hazel Welder captured his attention. “Boy! She could really cook!” Dad would begin, spinning into another story about his beloved. They were married June 11, 1960 in Perry. On their honeymoon trip to Yellowstone, Hazel tossed an entire package of Fig Newton cookies at a bear hovering over the top of their red thunderbird.
The newlyweds made Ames their home, residing on the banks of Squaw (Ioway) creek. Here they enjoyed dining al fresco on the deck James built overlooking the bubbling water.
As an only child, James said, “I felt lonely growing up on a farm with only a dog for a companion.” He was blessed with three children- Lynda Lee, Suzanne Lynne and Michael James.
James had a brain which thrived on knowledge. He was always reading, watching history channels, observing wildlife, weather, UFOs, and ancient civilizations. He loved taking Senior College classes at Iowa State and sharing his new-found knowledge on world religions and astronomy.
He enjoyed telling his nurses that he was 5 foot 14 inchestall so that they had to do math. His gangly build responded well to athletic training. The family bought him a bike for his fortieth birthday. He became a bicycle racer, racing for Michael’s Cyclery.
After experiencing the thrill of athletic competition, James had the fever. He went from racing bicycles to running, biathalons, and cross-country skiing.
An avid fisherman, James could often be found with his family vacationing at Hanging Kettle Lake in Minnesota. James took his family on memorable vacations to Disney, Civil war battlefields, museums, Pioneer village and especially RAGBRAI.
James loved riding his Specialized bicycle. He was proud of the fact that he completed 33 full RAGBRAIs, even riding with his grandchildren, Katy, Harrison and Trenton.
James biked the Rocky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Nebraska (BRAN ride) and Wisconsin. “One of the highlights of my life was riding up Monarch pass with RAM rider, Dr Bob Breedlove.”
James was curious and inquisitive with a keen intellect that drove all his pursuits. His passion was ham radio. He entered many radio competitions. He was proud of having contacted over 300 countries. His children always knew when James was gearing up for another competition as Mom would stock up on Fig Newtons, his favorite cookie.
Feline companions were dear to him. His beloved cat, Tiger is being cared for by grandson, Harrison.
James enjoyed going out to eat at Perkins, Dutch Bakery, and Village Inn. He generally tipped the waitstaff in $2 bills. Think of James the next time you see a $2 bill.
James was pre-deceased by his parents and his wife, Hazel. survivors include his children, Lynda Graham -Murray (Matthew), Suzi Rickels and (Michael) Michael (Heather);Grandchildren, Katy Vakranoff (Tim), Harrison Murray, Trenton Murray, Bobby Chase, Khole Graham, Dexter Graham ; and great-grandchildren: Millie Vakranoff.
Services for James will be Friday, June 2 at the Northminister Presbyterian Church in Ames. Visitation is at 9:30 a.m., followed by the service at 10:30 a.m. A light lunch follows. Burial with military honors in the Dexter cemetery at 2 p.m.
Memorials have been established for the Dexter Historical Society, Iowa Public Television and Northminister Presbyterian Church.