Birth date: Aug 18, 1932 Death date: Nov 12, 2020
James Graves, 88, of Sedalia, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia. Funeral services will be private. Visitation will be from 5-7PM on Thursday at Alexander-May funeral home. In Read Obituary
I remember my cousin Alvin from CCTS in Yanceyville. He was always smiling and I remember him as always seeming to be happy and jolly. He was a few years ahead of me, but I remember him so well because he had an infectious smile. We didn't see each other very often in our adult lives, but when we did, he was the same smiling Alvin, and looked the same: no gray hair, no wrinkles, just the same as last time. In fact, today, that is how I found find the right person in the obit section of the funeral home post, because I was looking for ALVIN GRAVES and lo and behold, I saw this handsome man with that infectious smile, and I knew JAMES GRAVES was the same ALVIN I was looking for. I have always called ALVIN. In fact I didn't know his name was James!! We attended the same church, as children, every 4th Sunday, and I think we are related on both the maternal and fraternal sides, so I guess that makes us double cousins. His sisters and I are still in touch very often. I was saddened to hear of his transition, but I also know that God has a destination for each of us, so, Alvin reached the destination God had already planned for him. I wasn't aware that he had done so many wonderful things, but I'm really not surprised. ALVIN, well done thy good and faithful servant ,ret in peace. To his wife and family remember, God gave us memories so that we can have our loved ones with us whenever we want to. So dwell on the precious memories that I am sure Alvin left for you. Be blessed and grieve as much as you, but be thankful for the precious memories. Peace be with you. Barbara Jean CAVINESS McSweeney.
Uncle Alvin was a man whose huge, infectious, Colgate smile lit up any room he entered. Add to that his deep, soul-warming laugh and charming I never met a stranger personality. Top it off with his unwavering, dedicated love for Christ and others. Hands down, James Alvin Graves was undoubtedly the most likeable person around. He was a person who embodied the characteristic of Jesus with skin. Ephesians 5:1-2 says: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. That is the Uncle Alvin I always knew and loved. I will miss being his favorite niece . . . along with every other cousin of course!
To Aunt Johnnie and my cousins, what a wonderful blessing to have Uncle Alvin walk God’s earth for 88 years. The same way he showed love to others was the way he demonstrated love to each of you on a daily basis. To see a living example of love embodied in human form was one of the greatest legacies he passed on. As you love every day, let it be a testament to the man he was.
To Aunt Johnnie, what may have seemed corny to me when I was a teenager . . . you all coordinating all of your outfits . . . warms my heart now knowing that this was just one very small way he showed you and the world that you were the love of his life. Be comforted over the coming days, weeks, and months of your memories of over 55 years together.
Peace, blessings, and love.
Janice Edwards
I regret I am not able to attend my brother Alvin’s homegoing service, but my family understands as does my brother On High with God. My deepest sympathy goes out to my sister in-law Johnnie, my nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. I loved my brother dearly, love and memories that will always remain in my heart. He was the most kind and loving brother that anyone could ever want. Alvin loved his family and always made us feel special.
I will miss our long conversations. I will miss hearing him answer "hello sis" and sometimes, "hello baby sis.” I would ask how he was doing, and he would say, "I am fine, now that I see your smiling face,” then he would laugh about having phonavision. Our conversations would evolve as we talked. We enjoyed talking about the good old days growing up on the farm. He never failed to give credit to our parents for our teachings, the good life they provided, and the hard work that he credited his success in life. My brother loved the Air Force! Since his family and mine experienced military living, we talked a lot about our military experiences and travels. Alvin loved serving at the Open Door. He enjoyed the interaction with the people he served. My brother would talk to you whether you were friend, foe, or stranger. Once you met him and had a conversation with him, you would no longer be a stranger nor foe because you would feel the warmth and love he showed you.
We were always happy to be together on happy and sometimes sad occasions. He loved his nieces and nephews. There was long ongoing humor with his nieces at these gatherings. As each of the nieces arrived, he would hug them and tell them they were his favorite niece. They would all reply as each one arrived, "I thought you said I was your favorite niece.” Once they were all there, they were all saying," I thought you said I was your favorite niece." He would lean back and just laugh, and all the nieces would laugh with him. They always looked forward to the long-standing humor from their Uncle Alvin. Of course, they all knew they were special to him and he was special to them. I am sure they will miss that.
I am blessed to have Johnnie for a (sister) sister in-law. I am grateful for the love and care she gave my brother throughout their lives together. To my nieces and nephews, God has blessed us all with many years and many lasting memories with your father, my brother. Cherish them. He has also left a rich legacy for his family to enjoy and pass on through the generations. When you are feeling sad, think of all the good times you shared together and smile...Alvin is smiling also.
My Sincere and Enduring Love,
Van
To The Family:
My sincere condolence on the loss of Mr. Graves. Whenever he came to Morgan Street him and I would also have to tease each other. He was a great man with a lot of wisdom.
Heaven has gained an angel.
We are heartbroken at the loss of our dear Uncle Alvin. He was the rock of our disparate tribe. Uncle Alvin could make you smile because he smiled. He made you laugh out loud with a silly joke or story. I knew I was his “favorite niece” because he told me so—just like he told my sisters and cousins. People talk about character all the time, Uncle Alvin lived it. We loved him ever more because of the boundless love he had for his “baby Sis,” our Mom. My love of the open road and my RV came from my childhood memory of Uncle Alvin and Aunt Johnnie making the trek east in their RV. For my Aunt Johnnie and my cousins, even as the days are empty without your sweetheart and your Dad, I pray you begin to fill those empty days with memories.
Much love,
Donna
To the Family of Deacon Graves: On behalf of all the Laymen of the Central Region (North Mo, Mt. Carmel, Central District) As well as all the State Laymen and our President Dr. Thad Jones, We share in your lose of a great solider and warrior who was called home off of the battle field. All of us stand with you and beside you during this time of grief. We are reminded in scripture that "Earth has no sorrow, Heaven can't heal." So in this grieving time for your family we offer and extend to you any support that you need. Whenever we would hold regional workshops or Laymen meetings I always looked forward to seeing Deacon Graves and that "Million Dollar" smile that he always had. We will greatly miss him and his knowledge not only about the work but also about the word he was truly a people person and my kind of Laymen. Again whatever any of us Laymen can do in this hour of grief please let us know. Praying your strength.
Rev. Marcus Richardson
2nd Vice President Mo Laymen
Pastor: City Church of Columbia
When he would see a cousin, he would say your name and that " you are my favorite cousin," with a Big smile.
Nancy Phillips Cherry (Cousin)
