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Obituary: James Powers ‘Dude’ Graham, 91, Bardstown

James Powers “Dude” Graham, 91, of Bardstown, died Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Radcliff Veterans Center. He was born May 27, 1927, in Fairfield. He was a retired parole officer and real estate broker, founder and first President of Kentucky Parole Officers Association. He was a World War II Navy Veteran and at age 17 attended Naval Gunnery School at Sampson, N.Y. for 16 weeks and then assigned to U.S. Naval Anti-Aircraft Training Center at Prices Neck, Rhode Island. After graduation, the Commander who rated him said that “at 17 I was one of the youngest Petty Officers in the Navy and he was sure at 17 I was the youngest Gunnery Instructor.” He was a 66-year member of American Legion, a life member of Veterans of Foreign War and Disabled Veterans, a 61-year member of Robinson Masonic Lodge of Louisville and Duvall Masonic Lodge of Bardstown, a member of Kosair Shrine, and a Kentucky Colonel. He was appointed by Jerry Falwell to serve on the Board of Regents of Liberty University. He was a graduate of Transylvania College where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was a member of New Salem Baptist Church.

JAMES POWERS “DUDE” GRAHAM

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce Alexander and Bessie Caldwell Graham; five sisters, Kitty Ann Graham, Lena O’Brien, Jenny Bruce Barbre, Mildred Franklin Graham, and Peggye Buzick; and six brothers, Henry Graham, Milton Graham, Billy Graham, Davis Graham, Alan Graham, and Dr. James B. Graham.

He is survived by his wife, Norma R. Graham of Bardstown; two stepdaughters, Kathy (Johnny) Thompson and Lisa (Bob) Filiatreau; one son, Bruce (Tara) Graham of Louisville; one brother, Dr. Jerry Graham of Huntsville, Ala.; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The funeral is 10 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2019, at Barlow Funeral Home with burial in New Salem Baptist Cemetery with Pastor Jonathan Gann officiating.

Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Thursday, May 23, 2019, and 9-10 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2019, at the funeral home. A Masonic service will be held 6:30 pm Thursday.

Memorial contributions may go to New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.

Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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