Obituary for James "Jim" Graef
Jim Graef, of Mount Laurel, NJ passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2019 with his beloved wife Patricia by his side. He was 88 years old.
Jim was born April 21, 1931 in Harrisburg, PA. As an adult, he resided in Media & Lewisburg, PA, Evesham, NJ & most recently Mt. Laurel, NJ. He honorably served his country, as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Jim obtained his Bachelor’s degrees in Forestry (1953) & Landscape Architecture (1958) both from Penn State University, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He also earned his Master’s degree in City Planning (1961) from the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Graef was a landscape architect by profession, Director of the Delaware County, PA Planning Commission, worked at Taylor Weisman & Taylor, US Home, Paparone Home & the Kings Grant development site, in Marlton for many years until he retired. Jim then enjoyed working part time at M & E Marine Co. in Collingswood. Jim was also involved in the Media, PA Rotary, Mt. Laurel, NJ American Legion, Neighborhood Watch & Maintenance Committee where he oversaw the care of the ponds & trees throughout the development.
Jim was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Moorestown for over 30 years where he loved serving in the landscaping & implementation of the church site. Throughout his life Jim enjoyed sailing, hunting, hiking the Appalachian Trail, back packing, camping & sleeping in a hammock under the stars; a true outdoorsman. He also enjoyed watching soccer, his Philadelphia Eagles & the time he spent working for their organization on game day. He would also enjoy a good game of chess.
Jim was predeceased by his mother (Emily) & his father (W. James Graef Sr.) as well as his great-grandson (Gaige Vincent Simon)
Surviving are his beloved wife, Patricia; children (Drew & Lisa); grandchildren, Tricia & Emily; great-grandchildren, MiJoy & Sydney.
He will be dearly missed by all those he leaves behind & celebrated by all those he is reunited with.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 10:30 AM at the First United Methodist Church of Moorestown, 446 E. Camden Avenue, Moorestown, NJ 08057.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Moorestown at the address above.
Jim was born April 21, 1931 in Harrisburg, PA. As an adult, he resided in Media & Lewisburg, PA, Evesham, NJ & most recently Mt. Laurel, NJ. He honorably served his country, as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Jim obtained his Bachelor’s degrees in Forestry (1953) & Landscape Architecture (1958) both from Penn State University, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He also earned his Master’s degree in City Planning (1961) from the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Graef was a landscape architect by profession, Director of the Delaware County, PA Planning Commission, worked at Taylor Weisman & Taylor, US Home, Paparone Home & the Kings Grant development site, in Marlton for many years until he retired. Jim then enjoyed working part time at M & E Marine Co. in Collingswood. Jim was also involved in the Media, PA Rotary, Mt. Laurel, NJ American Legion, Neighborhood Watch & Maintenance Committee where he oversaw the care of the ponds & trees throughout the development.
Jim was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Moorestown for over 30 years where he loved serving in the landscaping & implementation of the church site. Throughout his life Jim enjoyed sailing, hunting, hiking the Appalachian Trail, back packing, camping & sleeping in a hammock under the stars; a true outdoorsman. He also enjoyed watching soccer, his Philadelphia Eagles & the time he spent working for their organization on game day. He would also enjoy a good game of chess.
Jim was predeceased by his mother (Emily) & his father (W. James Graef Sr.) as well as his great-grandson (Gaige Vincent Simon)
Surviving are his beloved wife, Patricia; children (Drew & Lisa); grandchildren, Tricia & Emily; great-grandchildren, MiJoy & Sydney.
He will be dearly missed by all those he leaves behind & celebrated by all those he is reunited with.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 10:30 AM at the First United Methodist Church of Moorestown, 446 E. Camden Avenue, Moorestown, NJ 08057.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Moorestown at the address above.