James “Jim” Elton Graef, of Blairstown, Missouri was born May 1, 1948 the son of James Lee and Lelia (Boyles) Graef. He departed this life on Friday, September 24, 2021 at St. Luke’s South Hospital, Overland Park, Kansas at the age of 73 years, 4 months and 23 days.
On September 17, 1965, Jim was united in marriage to Perry Raye Jenkins in Urich, Missouri where they were lifelong members of the Urich Christian Church.
Jim worked and retired from KCPL after 30 years. He was a member of the Urich Lion’s Club for 34 years and also served on the Urich Cemetery Board, PSW #4 Water District and the Bogard Road Board. Jim was very involved with his community.
After Jim retired, he and his beloved wife Perry traveled seeing many beautiful sites until her death in 2018. He loved his family and considered most of his friends as family too. Jim loved to cook, entertain and take care of people. Jim spent the rest of his retirement fishing and camping at Truman Lake.
Jim is survived by his son, Timothy R. (Sarabeth) Graef and a daughter, Terri L. (Zack) Vandervort all of Blairstown, Missouri; 10 gradchildren, Samantha (Dan) Ertel, Dylan (Rachel) Graef, Tabitha (Trenton) Tosh, Vanessa (Jake) Burnworth, Ethan (Brianna) Kedigh, Kennady Kedigh, Sydney Graef, Kayla, Kelsey and Dustin Vandervort; 6 great-grandchildren, Reaghan, Axel, Mason, Treson, Charlee Raye and Stella; a sister, Janice (Ron) Hutcherson and uncle, Bill Boyles; other relatives and many friends.
Jim will be missed by all who loved him.
Cremation. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the Urich Lions Club, 307 Main St, Urich, MO 64788.
Family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Urich Lions Club.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.