Jeffrey Scott Graham, 45, passed away at 6:20 p.m. March 1, 2013 at Richland Manor Nursing Home. He was born on April 23, 1967, in Lakewood, to Robert B. & Karen L. Eke Graham.
He was a 1985 graduate of Bluffton High School. He then entered the United States Navy, where he had top-secret clearance, received the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal, worked in Electronic Warfare, and was honorably discharged in 1991, as an EW3.
While he was in the Navy, he worked as a tutor for the Gooden School in Sierra Madre, CA; and then worked as a flight and ground instructor for Bartlett Aviation Inc., El Monte, CA. He received his associates degree in Commercial Flight from Mt. St. Antonio College, graduating with honors; he then received his bachelors degree in Aviation Administration from California State University, graduating Cum Laude.
He flew and was a Captain for Air Vegas, PSA, TWA, USAir, American, ATA, American West, and AirTran Airlines. His hobbies included flying, swimming, boating, riding his motorcycle, traveling, and reading. He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Bluffton.
Survivors include his mother and step-father, Karen L. (James) Graham-Lewis, of Bluffton; his son, Caleb Owen Graham, of Lafayette, IN; three brothers, Ronald Graham, of Bluffton, Lyle (Melissa) Graham, of Bluffton, and Gordan (Rose) Graham, of Findlay; a step-sister, Heather (Matthew) Lewis-Herman, of Troy; a step-brother, Todd Lewis, of Gatliff, KY; a niece, Shelby Arnett, of Troy; and two nephews, Louis Graham, of Bluffton, and Levi Graham, of Bluffton.
He was preceded in death by his father; his paternal grandparents, Lyle and Aldyth Graham; and his maternal grandparents, Edward and Eileen Eke.
Services will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Bluffton. Rev. David Plant will officiate.
Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton, with military rites. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Chiles - Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton Chapel, and one hour prior to the services Tuesday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com
