of Harrison, AR

August 6, 1952 - July 12, 2025

We are sad to announce the passing of James ''Darrell'' Graves, age 71. Darrell was born August 6, 1952 and passed away early on the morning July 12, 2025 from a rare and fast onsetting disease called CJD.

He was born in Redding, California at 1:50 am to mother, Drue ''Wynema'' Sims and father, JD Graves. His years on earth were spent living between California and Arkansas where he spent his final years. This would have been when he was not overseas fighting for his country.

His education began in Alpena, Arkansas along side sister, Lawana and brothers, Denny and Merle. He eventually graduated from Anderson Union High School on June 5, 1970 in California. Soon after graduating he enlisted in the military where he served time in both the National Guard and Air Force. After years of service he retired as Senior Master Sergeant. He then spent time working for the United States Postal Service. In his fifties, Darrell decided to do another tour for the military as an independent contractor. We are positive that he chose to do so because he loved being a mechanic on all the helicopters, H35s, H60 Blackhawks and ''Jolly Green Giants''. While searching for his uniforms we also discovered an apron that suggests he spent time as a combat cook.

In the early 70's Darrell met and married Jan Elain Maxwell. On September 6, 1973 they gave birth to a baby boy, Jason Darrell Graves at the medical center on Hills Air Force Base in Utah. Jason's fondest memories from his childhood are holidays and camping trips spent with Darrell. He also remembers playing with childhood friends while Darrell would be working on helicopters with their parents. In his adult life, Jason cherished their motorcycle rides and working on cars together. Jason blessed Darrell with 5 beautiful grandkids.

Darrell is survived by his mother, Wynema; his sister, Lawana; his son, Jason and grandchildren, Tiffany, Curtis, Jasmine, Jacob and Jaxson.


Graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Alpena Cemetery.

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