Obituary of Jerome Graves

Jerome Jay Graves was born in Sibley, Iowa on April 24, 1940, the son of Gerald and Lois Graves. He grew up in Melvin, IA graduated from the University of Iowa and served in the US Navy. He moved to Arizona in 1967, worked at GE, and in 1975, received his real estate broker license. Jay held industry association positions and earned many awards during his real estate career, working at Vera Wilkerson & Associates, JJ Graves & Associates, Dan Schwartz Realty and Principal Residential Group. He also served 22 years as Chair for the North Central Tour group. He loved animals, sailing, spending time with his grandchildren, playing his guitar and singing country music. He passed away in Phoenix, AZ, on April 28, 2011 at the age of 71. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Lois Graves, and sister Karen Graves Stimson. Jay is survived by his companion Mary Graves, daughter Christine (Shane) Faller, sister Toni (David) Peters, four grandchildren, nieces and nephew. Should you decide to make a donation in Jay’s name, the family suggests the following memorials: Hospice of the Valley (www.hov.org ), Arizona Animal Welfare League (www.aawl.org ), and International Cancer Advocacy Network (www.askican.org ). Celebrating the Life of Jerome “Jay” Graves Born ~ April 24, 1940 Sibley, Iowa Died ~ April 28, 2011 Phoenix, Arizona Age ~ 71 years 4 days Memorial service Tuesday, May 10, 2011 10:00 a.m. ~ visitation 11:00 a.m. ~ service United Methodist Church Melvin, Iowa Officiating ~ Pastor David Finley Pastor Steve Pohlman Organist ~ Pat Wachtel Congregational Singing “On Eagles’ Wings” “Abide With Me” Burial Baker Township Cemetery Melvin, Iowa Military rites conducted by Melvin American Legion Guthrie Post #470