James Anthony Graham Sr., 74, of Taylorville passed away at 3:39am on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.  He was born on December 1, 1945 in Tovey, the son of Bernard Joseph and Lorraine Rose (Basil) Graham.  He married Jennifer Alma Honea on August 10, 2002 in Taylorville and she preceded him in death on December 19, 2015.  James served as a heavy equipment operator in the US Airforce during the Vietnam era.  He worked as a manager at KFC for many years in both Springfield and St. Augustine, Florida and he also drove a school bus in Rockford.  He worked for Addis Home Healthcare before his retirement.  James enjoyed the beach and loved to cook, especially his homemade noodles.  
He is survived by his children: James A. Graham Jr. (Barbara Granada Piteiro) of Astor, Florida, Deanna Stanten (Aaron) of Floresville, Texas, and Melissa Wilkinson (John) of Palatka, Florida; brothers: John C. Graham (Cathy) of Rochelle, Thomas Graham (Sherry) of Welaka, Florida, Ronny Graham (Polly) of Griffin, North Carolina; sisters: Mary Ann Crosby of Crescent City, Florida and Cheryl Drnjevic of Jeisyville; half-brothers: Dale Carmichael (Roberta) of Homosassa Springs, Florida, Dwayne Carmichael of Crescent City, Florida, and Terry Lee Carmichael (Sheryl) of Taylorville; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; half-brothers: Rudy Bill Carmichael and Leslie Carmichael; stepfather Gordon Carmichael; and mother-in-law: Juanita Conyers.  
Mr. Graham will be cremated, and a graveside memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, August 7, 2020 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville with Sr. Rose McKeown officiating.  Military graveside rites will also be conducted.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memories of James, or condolences to his family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.