John Wesley Graves
July 16, 1952 - January 18, 2015
John Wesley Graves
1952-2015
John Wesley Graves, born July 16, 1952, to Joseph William Graves and Lela Thayne Graves was joyously received into the spirit world to continue his service in the kingdom, on Jan 18, 2015. He will be sorely missed.
His life crossed paths with missionaries, chefs, referees, softball, basketball and volleyball players, fisherman, computer technicians, car mechanics, bishoprics, high counsel men, service missionaries, elders quorums, temple workers, and ward family members. He was a great provider and friend to his wife Paula and his four children, Jamie, Spencer, Jeanette and Katie and took under his wing many others that enlarged the family circle.
Despite his struggles with Crohn's disease, he loved to find reasons to laugh, play and serve. He was gifted in many areas that seemed to always come in handy for those who needed help. He loved the church hymns and found peace by having a whistle on his lips and a song in his heart.
His unwavering dedication to the gospel principles made him a reliable ward member and consequently a valuable servant to the spirit world as well. He has been "called to serve" and though we will miss him greatly, we know he will be anxiously engaged in the cause of bringing souls unto Christ and most likely refining the art of teasing and lifting spirits. May God help us all to fill his void by enlarging our capacity to do the same.
We will honor his life at the funeral services held Thursday, January 22, 2015, at the LDS church located at 2666 W. 7000 S. in West Jordan, Utah. Beginning with a family and friends gathering at 9:30am to 10:45am in the Relief Society room where you will be able to remember him through pictures and memorabilia, and where you can help complete a special album with comment cards. After the family prayer the service will commence in the chapel at 11:00am and conclude at 12:00pm. Graveside services will follow at the West Jordan Cemetery on 7800 South and 1300 West. Family luncheon will be served at the LDS church located at 7511 S. 2700 W. following the graveside service.
This will be a great day to share memories and celebrate the life of a good man who only made us better for having known him.
In Loving Memory
He is such a spiritual giant and example to many! May we hold out and endure to the end as he has! His righteous service has influenced many lives and made a difference for good! He is loved and missed!
Chanelle Cann Parkinson
Tucson, Az
Dear Paula, Aunt Lela and the rest of John's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I will have wonderful memories of the times I spent with John, his wonderful smile and his great spirit. Love, Clara Beth (Thayne) and Sheldon Tuffyas
Clara (Thayne) and Sheldon Tuffyas
Houston, TX
I was so sad to hear of John's passing. I fondly remember John's great smile and the kindness behind the tease. I so wish we could attend the services, visit with family and give all of you a hug. You are in our prayers. With much love, Glenna, Bruce and family
Glenna Thayne Grow
ELLENSBURG, wa
Jeanette, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this stressful time for your family. We extend our condolences to you and your family. Hugs, Grandma Helena Page and aunt Shalene🎶
Helena Page
Dayton, Id
One of the things John and I share was a firm belief in the hereafter – in the Resurrection – and I know that not too far down the road I'll be meeting up with him and he'll give me his famous friendly grin and a bear hug! Then I'll hear some new stories! Thanks John for being a friend to me and to so many of Heavenly Father's children! (Paula and kids, sorry we can't make the trip out there, but our prayers will be with you all!)
W. Lee Hunt
Oronogo, MO
Love you, John! Thanks for being our friend! Outside of family, I would have to say John was one of our most loved friends ever! He was a great friend and back yard neighbor. It was always great chatting and sharing through and over the fence! Paula and family, we love you too! Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Love, Edward, Kris, and the Durtschi boys
Edward Durtschi
West Jordan, Ut
Paula and family, Beautiful tribute! I am saddened to hear of the lose of John. I respected him for his ability, work ethic, concern for his family, and others ahead of himself. And all of the other characteristics you wrote about him. We have all been blessed and our lives made a little better for having had contact with such a good man.
CRAIG STAYNER
nan, nan
I worked with John for several years at EMC. We had many great discussions about the gospel and family. He was a stalwart man of faith. I loved and admired him. I pray for your family's comfort as you grieve this great loss.
Blake Webster
Kaysville, UT
John was a great friend and mentor to me since I met him in 2000 when we became co-workers. I am eternally grateful that I can call him my friend. John was a spiritual giant. I enjoyed our discussions on family, religion, and hearing about his latest home improvement project. John loved his family very much. He had a strong testimony on the eternal nature of families. It seemed as though every decision he made in life was influenced by how it would affect his family. Even though he had numerous health challenges over the years, I never heard him once complain. He would always ask how my family was doing. He seemed more concerned on how I was doing rather than his own personal well being. JG, you will be missed. Thank you for being a great example to a young husband and father. You had a profound impact on my life. Paula and the Rest of the Family, thank you for sharing a great man with the rest of us. My heart goes out to you all. I pray that you will be comforted and gain strength in knowing you will see your husband and father again.
Aaron and Marci Babcock
Lehi, UT