James D. Graham

James D. Graham, age 81, of Canton, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, in Mercy Medical Center.

He was born in Beverly, Ohio on July 20, 1930, and was a graduate of Slippery Rock High School in Pennsylvania. He was employed as a home remodeler for many years across the country.

Following his retirement, James built a miniature village in his backyard in Malvern. A number of schools and visitors made trips to his home to see the work he had done. His daughter and son-in-law were married in the church he built in his backyard village.

James will be deeply missed and never forgotten. He was preceded in death by his father, William H. Graham; his mother, Edna Mae Scarlett; and three sisters, Virginia Twentier-Cornelius, Wava June McCommons and Wilda Jean Graham.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Ruth Graham; two daughters, Nancy (Dr. James) Scalf and Georgia (Dan) Oswald all of Canton South; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Saturday, Jan. 21, 11 a.m., in the Reed Funeral Home Canton Chapel, with his son-in-law, Dr. James Scalf officiating. Burial was in Bethlehem Cemetery. Visitation was one hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Crossroads Hospice Program. Those wishing to send condolences or share a fond memory, may sign the Reed online Guestbook at www.reedfuneralhome.com.