Obituary of James R. McGraw

James “Jim” McGraw of Lewiston, NY passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at the Schoellkopf Health Center in Niagara Falls, NY. Jim was born to Edward and Aurelia McGraw in Montreal, Quebec on February 6, 1938. He moved to Niagara Falls, NY as a child and graduated from Bishop Duffy High School where he was class president and valedictorian. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Pittsburgh and went on to graduate studies at Fordham University where he received a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Jim worked as a manager in the marketing division of the Marine Midland Trust Company. He later served as the Assistant Property Manager, CPM, with his brother Ed managing all HUD properties in Erie County. He was a realtor and appraiser. Jim was a veteran of the Cuban Missile Crisis and served in the United States Army. He was a talented artist who enjoyed sculpture, drawing, wood carving, and crafting furniture. Jim is survived by his ex-wife, Sharon, whom he married in 1965, his son Edward (Connie), their daughter Lauren, his sister Regina McGraw, and his brother Edward McGraw. He also is preceded by his sister, the late Marie Battaglia (late Dr. Peter Battaglia). He was a beloved uncle to Marie and Peter’s eight children and a great uncle to 23 nieces and nephews. Friends are welcome to the Memorial services to be held at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston, NY on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 1 pm. Burial with Military Honors will be private at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name to the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, http://nfmmc.org/about-us/foundation/. Please specify for funds to be allocated to “David’s Path.” The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at the Schoellkopf Health Center.