James D. Graff Obituary
James D. Graff ("Jim") of Sussex passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 28th, 2022 surrounded by family and caring staff at Kathy Hospice in West Bend. He was born May 8, 1942 to LeRoy and Irene Graff. Growing up in Sister Bay, WI offered a variety of unique experiences of which he often spoke about fondly. After graduating from Gibraltar High School (Fish Creek, WI) in 1960, he married Judith Lundquist in 1964. Jim was employed at Klein Cartage Trucking, Milwaukee, WI from the early 1960s through the early 1980s. He combined his love of travel with his trucking career while employed as an over-the-road truck driver from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s. In reference to his signature haircut, other drivers referred to him by his CB handle, "Flat Top".
He retired to Sussex, WI and was an active member at Divine Savior Lutheran Church, Hartford, WI. While retired, he was a helpful companion to his mother and happily accompanied her while traveling. He liked being outdoors and could spend hours improving his yard and the yards of those around him. Jim was often found visiting over coffee on the porch, planning an occasional casino trip or assisting aging neighbors with whatever was needed. Friends were important to Jim, but he especially enjoyed time with family and was very proud of his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, watching Westerns, listening to older country-western music and his generosity toward others.
He is survived by his sons Guy (Barbara) Graff and Christopher (Amy) Graff, grandchildren Meghan, Sara, Jackson, Samuel & Ava and great-grandchild Ahren. He is also survived by brother Duane (Diane) Graff of Pennsylvania, sister Jeanne Larson of Milwaukee and brother-in-law DuWayne Spangenberger. He was preceded in death by parents LeRoy and Irene Graff, sister Shirley Spangenberger & brother-in-law John Larson.
Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Divine Savior Lutheran Church, Hartford, WI from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. Memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM. Entombment will be at Graceland Cemetery, Milwaukee, WI.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Kidney Fund at http://www.kidneyfund.org.
