October 14, 1940 — May 23, 2026

James “Jim” Charles Graham, age 85, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 14, 1940, at Mt. Carmel Hospital in Columbus, Jim was the son of the late James Joseph Graham and Winifred (Marion) Graham.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, veteran, photographer, public servant, and proud Irishman whose life was defined by service, generosity, humor, and dedication to his community. Everywhere he went, someone knew Jim. He is survived by his loving wife Carol Graham of 61 years; daughter Sharon Graham; sons Brian Graham and Kevin (Andrea) Graham; grandchildren Nickolas (Morgan) Nelson, Jayden Graham, Nathan Bayless, Zander Graham, Colby Graham and Hardi Graham; his sister Maryann Pyles; his great-grandchildren Anaiah and Maliyah; and his great friends the Rinehart’s, the Sweeney’s, the Miller’s and Carolyn Hayes and too many other family members and friends to mention. He is preceded in death by his grandson Cohan Graham and brother William (Pat) Graham.

A 1958 graduate of Aquinas College High School in Columbus, Jim proudly enlisted in the United States Army the same year. He served three years in Germany as a cryptographer and continued his service for an additional three years stateside as a Reservist. Following his military service overseas, Jim worked as an Orderly at Riverside Hospital, where fate introduced him to Carol. Their enduring marriage became the foundation of a close and loving family.

Following his military service, discovering and pursuing his passion for photography; he founded Graham Photography. Entirely self-taught, he built a successful professional photography business that he operated for more than 20 years, capturing weddings, funerals, sporting events, and countless other cherished moments for families throughout Central Ohio. He also worked as a freelance photographer for The Ohio State University sporting events, most notably football, where he combined his professional talent with his lifelong love of sports. Jim later dedicated many years of service as a Code Enforcement Officer with the City of Columbus, before retiring in 2009.

His involvement in the community reflected his generous spirit and endless energy. Jim served as President of the Professional Photographers of Ohio (PPO) and remained active in many civic and charitable organizations throughout his life. He volunteered with BOX 15 with the Columbus Division of Fire, served as an officer with Charity Newsies and regularly supported organizations including St. Vincent de Paul, and the Shamrock Club Bereavement Program.

Jim proudly celebrated his Irish heritage and was a longtime active member of The Shamrock Club of Columbus. Over the years, he was named Member of the Year in 1980, served as Club President in 1986, was the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Marshal in 2009, and received the distinguished honor of Irishman of the Year in 2016 and most recently served on the Monsignor Grimes Scholarship Committee.

Beyond his public accomplishments, Jim will be remembered most by his legendary gift of gab and rare talent for conversation and storytelling to those close to him. He was an avid golfer who proudly recorded one career hole-in-one and boasted about his low handicap, though friends and family often debated the accuracy of his reported handicap. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren participant in their favorite sporting events, reading, history, stamp collecting as a devoted philatelic enthusiast, Treasurer of the Worthington Stamp Club, and spending time with the people he loved most.

From delivering newspapers for The Columbus Dispatch as a young boy to serving his country, community, and family throughout his life, Jim lived with purpose, compassion, and integrity. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the memories he captured through his camera lens, and the love he shared so freely with family and friends.

Jim’s headstrong personality and tenacious nature was simply a part of the passion and determination that defined the way he lived his life. As a devout Catholic, his faith guided his life and strengthened his character.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Columbus Honor Flight at https://www.honorflightcmh.org/ or The Shamrock Club Bereavement Fund at https://www.theshamrockclubofcolumbus.com/donations

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 9am to Noon at Shaw-Davis Funeral Home, Clintonville Chapel, 4341 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43214. Family and friends will meet for a memorial service on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 1pm at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 2480 W. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, OH 43235 followed by a celebration of life at the Shamrock Club of Columbus, 60 W. Castle Road, Columbus, OH 43207.