Obituary of James I. Graham

James I (Jim) Graham died on November 28th at his home at Brittany Pointe Estates in Lansdale; he was 93. Jim was longtime resident of Whitemarsh Township and an educator for the Colonial School District from 1953 to 1982. Jim was born and raised in West Conshohocken and had a lifelong love of sports. He played basketball and baseball at West Conshohocken and loved to remind us that he once guarded Emlen Tunnel of Radnor High, later a Hall of Fame football player for the New York Giants. Jim was a WWII veteran and served as a staff sergeant in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Purple Heart. After his service he was able to attend West Chester State College on the GI bill. His career in education began at Plymouth Consolidated and then at Black Horse School followed by Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. While teaching he earned his Master's Degree at Temple University in Administration and was a PIAA Basketball official. A highlight in Jim's career in Colonial was his assignment as first Athletic Director for the School District. During his tenure the Plymouth Whitemarsh high school basketball team went on to win the Class A State championship in 1963. Jim was appointed principal of the "new" Plymouth Junior High (Colonial Middle School) in 1968 until he retired in 1982. He was honored to have the gym named after him. After retirement he continued his public service by working at the Montgomery County Court House. Jim was a dedicated family man throughout his life. He married Gwen Overdorf of Conshohocken in 1949. Jim was devoted to community having served as President of the Plymouth Whitemarsh Exchange Club (recipient of the Golden Deeds Award), co-founder of the Plymouth-Whitemarsh Distinguished Graduates, Church Council President at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Conshohocken and he was honored by the Chapel of the Four Chaplains for "selfless service". Jim is survived by two sons and their wives, James A. (Linda) and john R. (Debra), grandchildren, Randall, Abigail, Patrick, Joshua, Kelly, and three great grandchildren. He is pre-deceased by his wife Gwendolyn Overdorf Graham. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service for James on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 10:30 AM from St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 508 Harry Street, Conshohocken, Pa 19428. Pastor Bryan Penman will be officiating. Friends may call on Wednesday Morning from 9:00 – 10:30 AM at the Church. Interment will be in George Washington Memorial Park, Plymouth Meeting, Pa 19462. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Colonial School District Education Foundation; 230 Fourtown Rd. Plymouth Meeting Pa 19462.