James Graham

The Life & Legacy of
James Graham
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, a time to die…." Eccl. 3:1-2
A Time to Be Born…..
James Graham, affectionally known as, "Coodie" by family and friends, was born in the Lassac Community on June 18, 1932 to the late Idella Cochran Smith and James T. Graham. James was reared by his beloved paternal grandparents Joseph and Julia Graham. He was educated at the New Union School in Boston, GA.
A Time to Love…...
In August of 1956, James and Ida Mae Bryant were joined in holy matrimony. James and Ida Mae were married for 65 years, having five children, Lloyd, Joseph, James, Ramona, and Frederick (Charlene) and together raised Lorenzo (Sandra) McDowell.
James was the father to four other children, Floyd Graham, Sheila (Ulysses) Robinson, Mary (Howard) Bryant-Rose and Gregory (Gloria) Bryant, Miami.
A Time to Serve...
James and Ida lived briefly in Cleveland, Ohio at the start of their union. Then, they made a home in Miami, FL for over 25 years. Upon retiring from Winn Dixie Bakery, he moved the family to Boston. After a brief stint at Crackin' Good Bakery, James retired from the baking industry. James embarked on his second career with Georgia Crate Basket Company in Thomasville, GA, working there for a number of years. He was a security guard for Parker Security in his final working years.
James loved to fish. A "quick" trip to the Keys was always in order. James also loved to "ride" the lawn mower and keep the yards looking good. He prided himself on the upkeepof his property and the Carrol Hill Cemetery.
James joined Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in 1980 and was a faithful member until his death. He was a member of Tristate Lodge #1 Free and Accepted Masons.
A Time to Mourn…
On November 6th at the age of 89, God softly called James home. He was preceded in death by six brothers : (Hugh, Howard, Sam, Thomas (Tom), Willie B. Smith and Edward Roberts. Also proceeded in death by three sisters (Bernice Byrd, Mildred Sloan, and Ona Belle Drew). James leaves to celebrate his life and legacy his beloved wife Ida Mae Graham; his children: Lloyd, Joseph, James, Ramona, Frederick (Charlene), Lorenzo (Sandra) McDowell of Miami, FL, Floyd Graham, Sheila (Ulysses) Robinson, Mary (Howard) Bryant-Rose of Miami, FL and Gregory (Gloria) Bryant of Miami, FL. four sisters; Lucille (David) Clark, Deborah Stephens, Patricia Williams of Pompano, FL, Doretha Nickon of Miami, FL; brothers-in-law, Sam (Gigi) Bryant of Austin, TX, Only Bryant of Miami, FL; Sisters-in-law, Rubye Bynum of Miami, FL, Lillie Smith, Elizabeth Williams of Cresthill, IL. He leaves to mourn 27 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and 5 great- great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.