Mr. James L. "Jim" Graff

August 15, 1946 - September 30, 2017

Graff, James “Jim”, of Waterford, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2017. Jim was born on August 15, 1946 to the late Lawrence and Evelyn (Nee Kriz) Graff. He was raised in Milwaukee and later in Wauwatosa. He graduated from Wauwatosa West High School and Marquette University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Speech Pathology. He received an administration license for Special Education and Pupil Services from UW. It was at Marquette University that he met his wife of 47 years, Barbara (Nee Warzon), who also graduated from the speech pathology program. Jim and Barbara married on October 3, 1970. They moved to Waterford and began their work as speech pathologists for Racine County Schools in Burlington and Waterford. Jim later worked for Waukesha County, as Director of Pupil Services for Muskego School District, and as an independent consultant in Northern Illinois. Jim will be remembered by many as a school advocate and active participant in his community. Throughout his life, he was a member of the Waterford volunteer Fire and Rescue Department and Waterford Lion’s Club. He was elected to the Waterford Graded School and Union High School Boards, where he served as President for 15 years. He was a volunteer for many community projects. At St. Thomas Aquinas he served on many committees and was a Parish Trustee. Jim loved to be on the water, boating, and water skiing. Jim was a fan of Marquette basketball, as well as the Brewers and Packers and loved to garden. Jim was a loving husband to Barbara. Beloved father of David Graff and Anne (John) Graff LaDisa. Proud grandfather of Julia and Leo. Dear brother to Sandy (Edward) Chase and Nancy (Roger) Christensen. Visitation at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 305 South First Street, Waterford on Saturday, October 7, from 8:30AM-10:30AM. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11AM. A private inurnment will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery. Memorials to St. Thomas Aquinas School are appreciated. Mealy Funeral Home Waterford, Wisconsin 262-534-2233 www.mealyfuneralhome.com