John R. Graham, Jr. (“Jack”), 57 of Brockton and Quincy, MA died suddenly on October 5, 2006 at the Brockton VA Medical Center. Son of the late John R. Graham, Sr. of Watertown, MA and the late Shirley A. Graham of West Palm Beach, FL. Beloved brother of Grey Graham of Quincy, MA, Marcia Graham Smith of Hamilton, MA and Philip R. Graham of Lilburn, GA. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Beverly “Sam” Underwood of Lilburn GA, brother-in-law Douglas P. Smith of Hamilton, MA and his two young nephews Tristan Graham Smith and Hunter Douglas Smith, both of Hamilton, MA, a niece Lindsey Michelle Graham of Alpharetta, GA and several uncles, aunts and cousins.
Visiting hours at the Conley Funeral Home located at 138 Belmont Street (Route 123) in Brockton on Thursday, October 12th from 4-8:00PM. Funeral Service at the VA Chapel located on the campus of the Brocton VA Medical Center on Belmont Street (Route 123) on Friday, October 13th at 9:30AM. Interment at Hamilton Cemetery in Hamilton, MA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Graham’s name to the Disabled American Veterans, Brockton Chapter, 940 Belmont Street, Room A230, Brockton, MA 02301.
Obituary
Mr. Graham died suddenly Thursday morning at the Brockton VA Medical Center, where he had been resident for 5 years. He was the son of the late John R. Graham, Sr. of Watertown, MA and the late Shirley A. Graham of West Palm Beach, FL. Sister of Grey Graham of Quincy, MA, and Marcia Graham Smith of Hamilton, MA. and brother of Philip R. Graham of Lilburn, GA.
Mr. Graham was born in Worcester, MA on April 15, 1949 where he spent his early childhood years, later moving with his family to Quincy, MA in 1962 where he attended public school. In 1967 Mr. Graham graduated from Thayer Academy in Braintree, MA and also attended Nasson College in Maine.
Serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam years from 1972-1974, Mr. Graham was stationed in Hawaii and San Diego, CA achieving a rank of Quarter Master and later received an honorable discharge as a disabled veteran.
Following his Navy career, Mr. Graham was employed by a publishing company, however his great passion was in helping others and he devoted himself through the years to volunteer efforts which were dear to his heart. He had a kind and generous spirit and truly sought to “give something back” to those who touched him. He would do anything for anybody. As a disabled veteran himself, Mr. Graham sought to help others in his situation. For many years he was very involved with the Brockton chapter of the Disabled Veterans of America and was an officer in that organization and was a member of other veterans groups. Mr. Graham also participated in the “Grandparent Program” at Stonehill College and Bridgewater State College and the “Student Friendly Visitor Program”.
Mr. Graham loved to spend time with friends and family and join in all the fun in the numerous social activities sponsored by the VA. From cookouts to baseball games to musical events, Jack was always there. In recent years when he had “put on a little weight” Jack was very happy to dress up as Santa Claus himself for the VA at Christmas-time, something that brought great joy to his heart. Mr. Graham also enjoyed boating, loved to fish was very interested in history, particularly military and WWII history. Mr. Graham was a bit of an intellectual and knew a little bit about everything, so much so that his friends at the VA used to affectionately refer to him as the “answer-man”. Mr. Graham was always on the lookout to help other VA patients in his unit and developed special relationships with the staff. The family is very grateful to his nursing and medical team who took good care of him during the years. He was a very special person, dearly loved, who touched many people and will be forever missed.
Mr. Graham is also survived by his sister-in-law Beverly (“Sam’) Underwood of Lilburn GA, brother-in-law Douglas P. Smith of Hamilton, MA and his two young nephews Tristan Graham Smith and Hunter Douglas Smith, both of Hamilton, MA, and several uncles, aunts and cousins.