James W. Graham

James W. Graham, 78, of Springdale, passed away on February 8, 2023 at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale. He grew up in the First Christian Church of Springdale and later joined the First United Methodist Church soon after marriage, where he at one time served as a Stephen Minister. He was a proud Eagle Scout and also attended Philmont. He was born to Willard Graham and Maxine Shockley Graham on February 21, 1944 at Old City Hospital in Fayetteville. He grew up in Springdale Schools, starting at Fishback Community School where his mother was his teacher for two of those years. He graduated from Springdale High School in 1962. They were the “Golden Seniors”, the first class to graduate from the new high school. After high school graduation, James attended Draughon’s Business School in Tulsa, OK. He finished his two year degree in a year and a half as valedictorian. He then attended the University of Arkansas for one semester before serving in the United States Air Force for four years, which included a tour in Vietnam. After his service, he returned to the University of Arkansas, where he met Sandye Boone. They both graduated from the University of Arkansas in May 1971 and then married on June 19, 1971. He began his career experience as a paper boy at a young age. During business school, he worked at Wolferman’s grocery in Tulsa. After his military service, he worked for Commercial Printing at Springdale News. He began a 31 year career at Willis Shaw Express just before marriage. Between his many retirements, he worked for various Hunt Venture companies and Red Rock Oil Field Hauling. He retired for the last time after working several years with Johnelle Hunt after the passing of JB. His hobbies included fishing, bowling, woodworking, golfing, square dancing, creating stained glass, and genealogy. He loved taking his dog Stella for walks, texting with his sister Cherl throughout all Razorback ball games, and building with Legos and sipping hot beverages with his grandson Leo. He is preceded in death by both parents. Survivors include his wife Sandye Graham of the home; one daughter, Heather Leclerc and husband Frederic; one grandson, Leo Leclerc of Savannah, Georgia; mother-in-law Juanita Boone of Springdale; one sister, Cherl Snyder and husband Ron of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one sister-in-law, Koni Power of Tulsa, Oklahoma; four nephews, Haden Snyder and wife Tina of Baltimore, Maryland, Daniel Snyder and wife Jordan of Fayetteville, Justin Power and wife Nicole of Edmond, Oklahoma and Preston Power and wife Jeanette of Tulsa, Oklahoma; five great nieces and nephews, Ezra Power, Evan Power and Amaya Power all of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Samantha Power and Benjamin Power both of Edmond, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be Friday, February 17, 2023 at 2pm at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale with Rev. John Fleming officiating. Burial will follow in Bluff Cemetery in Springdale. The family will receive friends on Friday from 12-2pm at the funeral home. A drop by viewing will be on Thursday from 12-6pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to First United Methodist Church, 206 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale, Arkansas 72764 or Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, 118 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale, Arkansas 72764 or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com

James W. Graham

February 21, 1944 - February 8, 2023