James A. Graves

James A. Graves, 64, of Cle Elum, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2019 at Cottage in the Meadow in Yakima following a heart attack earlier in the month.

Jim was born on March 29, 1955 in Kirkland, Washington, the youngest of three children born to James & Deloris (McFarland) Graves.  He grew up in Bellevue and went to work as a carpenter right out of school.  He later founded Graves Construction in the early 1990’s.  Jim was involved in many projects at Suncadia, primarily because of his meticulous nature and attention to the finest of details.  He was still working at the time of his death.

Jim met Sherry Kjellerson in Federal Way in 1983 and the two hit it off, marrying a few years later in Reno, Nevada. Shortly after they met, Jim and Sherry moved to Cle Elum and have made the Upper County their home since that time.  Jim enjoyed doing things spur the moment – including camping – and he and Sherry also took many rides around the Pacific Northwest on their Harley. 

Jim was a very friendly guy and could talk to anyone about anything – he never met a stranger! He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sherry of Cle Elum; children Randy (Melissa) Graves of Colorado; Jaimi (Jimmy) Vamvas of Gig Harbor and Jody (Eugene) Brannon of Belfair as well as six grandchildren – Austin, Shaniya, Tyler, Ethan, Peyton and Deklan.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ron and sister Marie.

Jim had a very special place in his heart for animals and so to that end, memorial contributions in his honor are suggested to the ARRF Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 670, Roslyn, WA 98941.  Cascade Funeral Home of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for Jim’s family.  Online condolences may be left at www.cascadefuneralhome.com