James "Jim" Preston Graves

James Preston Graves, of Elkhart, Texas, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the age of 86.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.  Born as the first son to Ray and Euvada Graves on July 29, 1938, in Waco, Texas, he spent his childhood and youth attending school and working on the family farm.  The family moved to Connecticut during his teen years, where he completed his secondary education at Norwalk High School.  The perennial Texan, he returned to Texas following high school to attend Lon Morris College in Jacksonville followed by study at Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School where he earned a degree in theology.

Jim’s deep and abiding faith was the foundation of his adult life and career. He had a heart for helping others in trying circumstances, which drove his career choices. Initially serving as a Methodist pastor in Zephyr, Mullin, and Saginaw, Texas, he transitioned to a ministry in the criminal justice system, serving with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.  Jim was the first adult probation officer in Anderson County and was part of the initial probation department in Palestine, Texas.  In addition, he spent some time with Dow Chemical as a mud engineer.  His kindness and practical, down-to-earth manner and perspective touched many, many lives both at work and at home.

Jim was happiest at the country home he built in Elkhart, Texas, which he shared with Brenda, his wife of 52 years and where they raised two sons, Stewart and Scott Shaver.  He loved being outside and enjoyed many hours spending time growing and tending to things, whether it was his large vegetable garden or caring and playing with pet cats, dogs and other critters.  One of his great joys was to host family and friends to show others the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. Jim valued hard work and time with family and friends and lived his life according to those values, prioritizing relationships and connections with people every day.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Euvada Graves and his son Stewart Shaver.

Jim is survived by his wife, Brenda Graves and his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Rita Shaver. He is also survived by two brothers, Allan Graves and Samuel Graves and two sisters, Mary Boyce and Sarah Maddox.  He was a beloved “Pa” to six wonderful grandchildren, Haley Shaver, Kollin Shaver, Dillon Shaver, Preston Shaver, Lexi Buck, Ashley Gonzales, and six great-grandchildren.  He was “Uncle Jim” to many nieces and nephews who carry fond memories of time spent with him fishing, hunting and exploring in the countryside.

Jim’s family will celebrate his life at a later date.

Cremation services for James “Jim” Preston Graves are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.  Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.

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