James L. “Jim” Graves, age 89, of Sheboygan, passed away peacefully at Sheboygan Progressive Health Services on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Jim was born on July 10th, 1935, in Antigo Wi. to the late Albert and Maude (Gibbs) Graves. He attended school in Antigo and later moved to Sheboygan in search of employment. It was there he met the love of his life and was united in marriage to Carol Mae Hesse on January 25, 1958, following his service in the Navy for two years. Jim was the Facility Manager at the Sheboygan Press for 35 years. He took great pride in his job and embraced the many challenges in his role. After retirement, Jim and Carol moved to Lily, Wi. where they spent 20 joyful years turning their cabin into a beloved home. Jim was an avid sportsman and spent his time fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, playing horseshoes and playing cards with his brothers and sisters and many friends who were also retired in Lily. He was an active member of the Lily Sno-Birds Snowmobile Club where he volunteered his time for many years. After living 20 years in Lily, they moved back to their hometown Sheboygan.
He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. and the VFW. Jim will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his deep love for his family and the joy he found in the simple pleasures of life. Jim is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Terry (Colette) Graves of Lily, WI and Kathy Graves of Sheboygan; grandchildren, Breeanne Graves, Travis Graves and Jason (Jeanie) Angel; great-grandchildren, Evayda, Madilynn, Colton and Rory Jo; sister-in-law, Rose Mary Graves and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Kenneth (Arvilla), Bill, Donald (Mable) and Jerry; sisters, Marjorie (Chester) Speener and Judith Perrot; father- and mother-in-law, Elmer and Mildred Hesse.
A funeral service will be held at 12 P.M. on Tuesday, June 3rd at Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12th St. Sheboygan, with visitation from 10 A.M. until the time of the service at 12 P.M. Interment will take place at the Lily Cemetery on Wednesday, June 4th at 1 P.M.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff of Ascension at Home, Aurora Medical Center – Sheboygan, Progressive Nursing Home and Sharon S. Richardson Hospice staff for all the care given to Jim.
A memorial fund will be established for Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
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