James Eldon McGraw

James Eldon McGraw passed away on March 21, 2025 at Hospice House of Mid Michigan, in Lansing, Michigan. He was born in Owosso, Michigan on May 15, 1947 to the late James M. and Teresa (Brainerd) McGraw.

He was raised in Chesaning and went to Chesaning Union School, class of 1965. Jim married his wife Patricia in 1964 and spent a few years living in Chesaning, MI and Owosso, MI before moving to East Lansing, Michigan in 1975. Jim graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University in 1979. Upon graduating from MSU, Jim began a 25 year career as a Lead Psych Tech at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing, MI. Jim was also an accomplished and prolific artist, featuring paintings in acrylics, watercolors and oils. He had many admirers of his art all around the world. Jim was also a creative photographer capturing many beautiful natural moments all around Michigan. Jim also invented a toy that he received a patent on many years ago. Jim was a family man enjoying time with his parents, wife, children, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and all of his extended family. He was an avid sports fan of the Michigan State University Spartans and Detroit Lions. Jim had a quick wit and dry sense of humor that entertained his family for years.

Jim loved squirrels and dogs as he rescued all of his pet dogs from shelters throughout his life. Donations may be made in memory of Jim in lieu of flowers to the Ingham County Animal Shelter at 600 Buhl St., Mason, MI 48854.

Surviving are: wife, Patricia; 2 sons: Eldon McGraw, John (Diane) McGraw, all of E. Lansing; grandchildren: Dalton McGraw (Maghen), Erin McGraw (Brandon) and their mother, Bonnie McGraw; step grandchildren: Jasmine Williams (Joel), Rebecca (Ryan) Winchell, David Spurbeck (Clover); many nieces, nephews and other loving family members, special close cousin, Julie (Brian) Banfield; other special family and friends: Scott Gibson, Abu Towghi, Joe (Dawn) Stanuszek, and Carl Sims. Special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at the St. Lawrence Hospice Center in Lansing, MI.

Jim was preceded in death by his father James McGraw, mother Teresa McGraw (Graham), step father James Graham, mother in law Pauline Albers, step father in law Bob Albers, father in law Cliff Gibson Sr, and daughter in law Jenny McGraw.

Jim will be missed dearly by all those who knew him for his kindness, artistic talents, humor, willingness to help family and friends in their time of need.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. until time of services at 12 noon. at Misiuk Funeral Home. 202 S. Front St. Chesaning, MI 48616. Chaplain Lori Pollitz from U of M Sparrow Hospice, officiating. Burial to follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Chesaning. 

You may light a memorial candle or share a memory at Misiukfuneralhome.com. 

Misiuk Funeral Home

202 S. Front St.

Chesaning, MI 48616

989-845-3096

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Eldon McGraw, please visit our floral store.