JAMES "JIM" LEE GRAH, 84, of Rockwood, Illinois, passed away at 5:54 a.m., Sunday, May 14 at Integrity Healthcare in Chester, Illinois.
He was born to Eugene F. and Regina Anna (nee Casten) Grah on August 26, 1932 in Rockwood, Illinois.
He married Patricia Dethrow on October 30, 1954 in Hernando, Mississippi. She survives.
James was an operating engineer for Local No. 520. He was with the 633rd ENGR LE CO APO 301 in Korea and received the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, the National Defense Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 72, a former member of the Shiloh Hill Community Club and a life member of both the American Legion Alva Courier Post No. 487 and Chester VFW Post No. 3553.
Survivors include wife Pat Grah, of Rockwood; two daughters -- Cathy (Rhett) Rinne, of Chester and Laura (Ron) Woodworth of Sparta.
One honorary son, Kenny (Janet) Fudge, Steeleville; one honorary daughter, Debbie (Mike) Brooks, Chester and one sister, Beulah (Stan) Legner.
Six grandchildren -- Lauren Rinne, Lindsey (Cole) Shinn, Jamie Lea Grah Woodworth, Brandy Link, Chrissy (Donnie) Lindenberg and Jason Fudge.
Three great-grandchildren -- Savana Link, Brenden and Chasten Lindenberg and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceded in death by parents, two brothers (William Grah and Howard Grah) and one sister-in-law, Dorothy Grah.
It was Jim's wish to be cremated. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20, at Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home in Chester with The Rev. Cecil Dunning officiating.
Masonic services will be conducted on Friday, May 19, at 7 p.m. with visitation on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials can be made to Grah Cemetery.
To view this obituary and sign the register book visit www.pmfh.net
