Jack R. Graham

Jack Ray Graham was born December 2, 1927 in Rossville, Illinois, the son of Margaret and Fred Graham. Jack grew up right across the street from his wife to be, Mary Josephine Beckley. One family story states that as babies, Jack and Mary were laid on a bed together. Their mothers remarked how funny it would be if they grew up and married someday! Their marriage lasted 70 years until death did they part. They had known each other for 90 years.

As a young boy, Jack learned some carpentry skills from his father which in his later life would help him build some furniture as a hobby. Jack entered the army at the end of WWII where he worked in an office and could type 90 words a minute! He was stationed in Oahu, Hawaii for a period of time and never forgot how beautiful it was! After the war he married the love of his life, Mary, on June 26, 1948. In the early years of marriage, Jack was in the printing business before going to school to become a barber. For the majority of his working life, he was a barber whose shop was located on East Main Street in Danville across from Cannon School. Jack was quite the conversationalist and could be very funny! These skills I am sure were of great value in his barbering business.

When his children, Connie and Roger, were of college age, Jack began working for Esco as a supervisor.

Jack was always involved in sports as he played basketball and football in high school. He passed his love of sports on to his son, Roger. Jack always encouraged discussions at dinner time and valued intelligent conversations!

Jack leaves a family legacy of two children, Connie (Michael) Ernst of Hoffman Estates, Illinois and Roger (Tammy) Graham of Danville, Illinois as well as five grandchildren, Eric (Heather) Ernst, Kyle (Steffanie) Ernst, Ryan (Ashley) Graham, Cole (Kasi) Graham, and Ashlee (Will) Leonard and ten great grandchildren, Ally Josephine Ernst, Kate Evelyn Ernst, Rhett Michael Ernst, Weston Hamilton Ernst, Pierce Robert Ernst, Audee Kay Graham. Dugan Jackson Graham, Paxton Michael Graham, Jack Douglas Graham, and Maisie Kay Leonard.

A celebration of Jacks life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville with Pastors Raymie Gordon and Dave Hastings officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Friday, November 30, 2018 at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Central Park Church of Christ 1735 S Washington St, Tilton, IL 61833. Please join Jacks family in sharing photos and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Services Visitation Friday November 30, 2018 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834 Funeral Service Saturday December 1, 2018 1:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834