James C. Graham II

James C. Graham II was born on March 9, 1971, in Milwaukee, WI to James C. Graham and LaVonda L. Graham (Humphrey). He spent his formative years in Milwaukee, surrounded by the love of family and friends. 

James attended Golda Meir School, Morse Middle School for the Gifted and Talented, Riverside University High School, and he graduated from South Milwaukee High School in 1989. After high school, James worked several different jobs while earning credits at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and ITT Technical Institute. He chose to pursue a career in the sheet metal trade, because he believed that the analytical and problem-solving aspects of the field and the diverse paths offered would be an excellent fit for his strong intellectual curiosity. James went from apprentice to journeyman, constantly expanding his knowledge and skills while working on projects like the construction of Miller Park and the installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems for major corporations, small businesses, and residential clients throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois. James learned to appreciate the value and power of employee unions from his father and was a proud member of United Association, Local 601 – Steamfitters and HVAC Service Technicians. He was glad to give back to his trade by training new apprentices while continuing to grow his own expertise.

In 1997, James met Monique Lewis and they began building a life together. They were married on August 30, 2002. Their union produced three wonderful children – James III, Miles, and Lauren. James believed that his family was his finest accomplishment. Loving, supporting, guiding, encouraging, and helping the people he loved was the foundation of every decision he made and he was dedicated to family above everything.

James worked hard and played hard. He loved music, art, sports, gaming, and travel. He enjoyed being on the beach and spent time in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Hawaii. Above all, James cherished time spent with family and friends, sharing stories and jokes, debating current events, learning about a wide variety of subjects, making and appreciating music and art, cheering and cussing at his kids’ sporting events, hosting celebrations at his home, supporting others through difficulties and sorrows, and helping the people he loved in any way that he could.

He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Lynda J. Franklin, his father-in-law LaMarr Franklin, his brother-in-law Shannon Smith Sr., his maternal and paternal grandparents, and his grandparents-in-law. James is survived by his wife Monique N. Graham (Lewis); his three children, James C. Graham III, Miles A. Graham, and Lauren N. Graham; his parents, James C. Graham and LaVonda L. Graham (Humphrey); his siblings Eloise “Spring” Humphrey, Anthony (Cookie) Crider, Todd Crider, Cherita Graham, and Finicia Graham MD; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

James C. Graham II was an extraordinary human being: a husband, father, son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend. He was so much more than can be written here. We are lucky to have known him and we are all better for it. James was deeply loved and will forever be missed.