James E. Graham, Jr.

James E. Graham, Jr., 82, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2018 at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke surrounded by his loving family and a very close friend. Born in Philadelphia, PA on May 4, 1935, “Jimmy” was the son of the late James E. Graham, Sr. and Sarah (Gorman) Graham. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp. from 1953 – 1956, and then served in the United States Air Force from 1957 – 1961.

Jimmy was a retired United States Postal Service Letter Carrier, retired President of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 46, and retired President of the Massachusetts State Letter Carriers Association. As a Fourth Degree Knight, he belonged to the Agawam Knights of Columbus Council 5585 and the Archbishop Williams Assembly 388. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 185. Jimmy was a former Hampden County Deputy Sherriff, former member of the Springfield Elks Lodge 61, and a passionate supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Sunshine Village. Above all he accomplished in life, his primary loves were his family and “helping the little guy” as a union officer.

Predeceased by his siblings Margaret Andress, Michael Graham and William Graham, he leaves his loving wife of 58 years, Louise A. (Gasperini) Graham of Agawam; son James J. Graham and his wife Cheryl of Feeding Hills; grandchildren Christopher J. Graham and his wife Meaghan, Matthew F. Graham and his wife Lauren, Tara L. Graham and Ryan J. Graham and sisters Helene Hall and Mary Ann Powers.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 from 4 – 7 PM at Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home, 985 Main Street, Agawam, MA. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 beginning at 8:45 AM at the funeral home. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, Main St., Agawam followed by committal services and military honors at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 or the Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter, 309 Waverly Oaks Road Waltham, MA 02452. For more information, please visit www.forastiere.com