James V. Graves, 74, of Earl Park, died at 6:09 p.m., Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at Iroquois Hospital. He was born October 4, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi to the late Archie and Katie (Downs) Graves. He attended school in Arkansas. Mr. Graves served in the United States Army from 1959-1961. His marriage was to Sadie C. D'Arco and they later divorced. James was a member of the Earl Park Presbyterian Church and American Legion Post 455 in Earl Park, serving as Chaplain for several years. Mr. Graves was a truck driver for Strausburger Trucking in Earl Park. He enjoyed working concession stands, auctions, and tinkering on cars and lawn mowers. Surviving is his life mate of 35 years, Sandy Goodman, of Earl Park; his children, James R. Graves (wife: Betty) of Tennessee, Susan Buckel (husband: Ken) and Jimmy H. Murillo both of Illinois; 2 brothers, Bob Graves and Charles Graves of Oklahoma; and 5 sisters, Anita Yarborough of Arkansas, Margie Kirby of Florida, Jean Arthur, Shirley Gartrail and Geraldine Jefferson, all of Arkansas. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Chris, Felicia Ann, Ryan and Nichole. Preceding him in death with his parents is a sister, Jane Dukes; and a brother, Archie Graves, Jr. Friends may call 2 hours prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service Monday, June 14, 2010 at Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home in Kentland. Rev. Ron Elly to officiate. Interment to follow at Earl Park Cemetery.