James Lee Graham

James Lee “Jim” Graham, 67, of Berrien Springs, passed away on August 10, 2026. He was born on May 19, 1959, to Paul and Patricia Graham and was raised in Lakeville, Indiana. Jim attended LaVille Junior/Senior High School and later Polk State College.

Jim was a proud retired paramedic and ER technician at Winter Haven Hospital in Florida. Throughout his career, he cared for people during some of their most vulnerable moments, offering skilled care, reassurance, and compassion. To the many lives he touched, his service meant far more than a job-it was a calling.

Jim carried that same compassion into his everyday life. He had a gift for connecting with people and was known for his random acts of kindness. Whenever he saw an opportunity to help someone, he never hesitated to step in. Jim genuinely cared about others and made people feel seen and valued.

On October 3, 2015, Jim married Susan (Salas) Graham. Through Susan, he gained not only a wife but an extended family in the Salas sisters and their husbands, eight nieces and nephews, and five great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jim became involved with Ghostlight Theatre after meeting Susan and being introduced to community theater. He volunteered for several years in a variety of ways and, in 2017, was a cast member in his first production, Airline Highway. Theater gave Jim another opportunity to connect with people and serve his community.

Jim and Susan shared a passion for culinary experiences, both cooking and dining. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors, as well as antiques and working on old cars. Jim's beloved furbabies, Zeus, Ginger, Venus, and Max, brought him great companionship and joy.

Jim's greatest legacy was the people he touched. His kindness, generosity, and genuine concern for others will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughter, Stacey Graham of South Bend, Indiana; one granddaughter; two great-granddaughters; his sister, Janet Graham of South Bend, Indiana; and his stepdaughter, Tina Long of Cedar City, Utah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Patricia Graham, and his brother, Patrick Graham.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home. A celebration of Jim's life will be held on August 22, 2026, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at American Legion Post 85 in Berrien Springs. A short service will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of Jim's life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local first responders in Jim's memory.

Jim will be remembered for his caring heart, his ability to form genuine connections wherever he went, and the many random acts of kindness he shared with others. It was through these quiet gestures, genuine relationships, and his sincere care for others that Jim made a lasting difference in the lives of those around him.