James P. Graham

James (Jim) P. Graham, a resident of Paxton, IL, entered into rest peacefully surrounded by loved ones on October 8, 2025, at the age of 98. Jim was born in Rossville, IL, to James Fredrick and Margaret Myrtle (Jacobs) Graham on November 27, 1926. He was drafted into the Army at the age of 17, serving in World War II. Initially he was with the 1st Infantry of the Army and later in the military government during the occupation of the Philippines and Korea. After his military service, Jim attended the University of Illinois in Galesburg, IL for two years, majoring in Architecture. He then attended Decatur Barber College and graduated in 1948, beginning his 65-year career as a barber. Jim married Virginia L. Beckley on July 24, 1949, in their hometown of Rossville, IL, and were married 53 years. Jim and Virginia lived in Cissna Park, IL for the first 5 years of their marriage before moving to Paxton, IL in 1954 and opening his own shop; Jim Graham’s Barber Shop. This became the social hub and meeting place for lively conversation and solving many of the world’s problems over the years. Jim eventually sold the shop in 1997 but officially retired in 2013, after giving his final haircut to his great grandson, Ethan Oliver. Jim also served as the Paxton City Treasurer for 20 years from 1973-1993. Those fortunate enough to know Jim appreciated his sense of humor and loyalty to his community. His hobbies included fishing, storytelling, gardening, winemaking, attending sporting events, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers and the Fighting Illini. Jim is survived by his three children, Ronald (Susey) Graham of Gallatin, TN, Patricia (Geno) Herges of Bloomington, IL and Thomas (Linda) Graham of Camargo, IL; six grandchildren, Erin (Jarod) Oliver of Fenton, MO, Drew (Amy) Graham of Missouri City, TX, Thomas Herges of Albuquerque, NM, Amy (Michael) Adams of Carlock, IL, Derek (Kaitlyn) Graham of St. Joseph, IL and April Paige (Ian) Overstreet of Philo, IL; and eleven great-grandchildren, Ethan, Paxton, and Jack Oliver, Jaxon and Gage Graham, Sadie and Sam Adams, Skyler, Cooper and Titus Graham, Emmalyn Graham; and many loving nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers, Jack and Donald (Dugan) Graham; sister Maxine Wilma Lundberg; half-brothers Earl and Howard Graham; and a great-grandchild Sawyer Adams (infant). A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home in Paxton. Funeral service will be held following the visitation, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., also at the funeral home. A graveside service will follow at Glen Cemetery in Paxton. Memorials may be made to the Paxton-Buckley-Loda Academic Foundation in Paxton, IL.

James P. Graham

November 27, 1926 - October 8, 2025