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.
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.
-30-