James "Jim" Allan Graham

March 23, 1933 - April 9, 2016

James Allan (Jim) Graham, Sr., died April 9, 2016, in his home surrounded by family and friends at age 83. He was born to Helen and Earl Graham in Fowler, CO, on March 22, 1933. Jim spent most of his childhood in Fowler and graduated Fowler High School in 1951. He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955, stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Paderborn, Germany. Jim returned to Fowler and on July 2, 1955, married Janet Helen Graham of Manzanola, CO, who survives him. He moved to Monte Vista, CO, in 1956, where worked for 42 years as a masonry contractor. He served as mayor of Monte Vista in the early 1970's. Jim turned his passion for photography from a hobby into a business, Black Mountain Photography. Jim was in high demand, photographing school student pictures, sports events, and family get-togethers. Jim was also a staunch supporter of Monte Vista High School athletics, an activity bus driver for the school, and enjoyed tinkering on cars and equipment in his shop. Jim and Janet retired to Jim's hometown of Fowler in 2007, where they pursued an active and fulfilling retirement life. Jim continued his passion for photography, taking pictures of Fowler school and sporting events, and photographing the scenery, people, and wildlife of the Arkansas Valley. Jim was also an ardent supporter of Fowler sports and athletes, and was named Fan of the Year by Fowler High School Athletics for the 2009/2010 school year. He and Janet also served as Missouri Day Parade Marshals in 2015. Jim was a member of Fowler United Methodist Church, and he enjoyed church potlucks and bazaars, as well as senior citizen trips to local areas. Jim was always pleased to share his photographs with the people he knew, such as surprising his friends from church with packets of photos outside their doors. Jim is survived by his wife Janet, of Fowler, and three children: Jacque Graham (and son-in-law Larry Fitzmaurice); Tricia Gilbert; and James Allan Graham, Jr. (and daughter-in-law Gisela Graham), all of Denver. He is also survived by his grandchildren Todd Gilbert, and Tanya Winterboer (and husband David); his great-grandchildren Alex Lewis, Colton Winterboer, and Mason Winterboer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jim is also survived by his sister, Lois Buse, of Broomfield, CO and preceded in death by his parents and brother Earl (Sonny) Graham. A memorial service for Jim Graham is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, at 11:00, Fowler United Methodist Church, 908 East 12th Street, Fowler, CO. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Fowler United Methodist Church or to Fowler High School Sports Annex Capital Improvement Fund toward a memorial tile. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.

SERVICES

Memorial Service

Saturday, April 30, 2016 11:00 AM

Fowler United Methodist Church

302 Main St.

Fowler, CO 81039

Pastor Brian Blackburn