James Joseph McGraw

James (Jim) Joseph McGraw, of Manassas, Virginia, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, November 20, 2023. He was born on May 16, 1929, in Pursglove, WV to parents James John and Mary Katherine McGraw. On December 27, 1955. he entered into holy matrimony with his loving and beloved wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Eisenbart, at her hometown church of St Joseph’s Church in Yates Center, KS. A lifelong partnership full of spiritual and emotional joy and happiness, blessed them with six children. Their children and their spouses, Kevin and Claudia McGraw, Tim (deceased) and Cathy McGraw, Brian and Kathy McGraw, Mike McGraw, Jim and Kay McGraw, and Kelly and Bill Tully, increased their blessings with eighteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren. As the oldest of four siblings: his paternal twin sister, Mary, brothers Peter and Frank (deceased) and sister Catherine (deceased) all grew up in Osage and attended St Francis De Sales High School in Morgantown, WV. Jim had an illustrious professional career with an exemplary work ethic. After high school he enlisted in the Air Force and rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant becoming an electrical instructor for B47-4 Mobile Training Detachment at Sedalia Air Force Base in Missouri. After honorable separation from the service, he entered college at the Milwaukee School of Engineering earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Graduating in 1959, he joined Western Electric Company working on among other things, the SAGE Air Defense System. In 1965, Jim accepted a promotion to Senior Engineer in the AT&T Long Lines transmissions department in White Plains, New York. In this position he managed both regional and international engineering product support teams involving work at sites as far away as Japan. Upon his retirement in 1989, he was recognized as a Telephone Pioneer of America. Jim’s engineering skills were put to good use making several renovations and home improvements to his home in Shrub Oak, NY where he and Betty resided for over 43 years. With help from his sons, he added a three-bedroom dormer with a full bathroom onto the house, as well as a two-car garage. He extended the kitchen, and enclosed and screened-in his back porch. This is just to name a few of his many projects. Listening on the radio to the New York Yankees or whistling along to the song “When the red, red robin goes bob, bob, bobbing along,” while bird watching, he truly enjoyed that back porch. Jim loved sports. He was captain of his high school basketball team and remarkably was able to play alongside his two brothers. He enjoyed watching WVU sports teams and playing golf, especially with his sons at the annual Golf Getaway outing in Myrtle Beach, SC. Very active in his service to the sports community, he coached and acted as commissioner to the Shrub Oak Athletic Club Girls Basketball League for many years. He helped organize JFK high school booster clubs. He encouraged all kids, his own and others, to play sports. Whether it be basketball, football, baseball, volleyball, or track, he went to their games. As much as Jim accomplished in his professional and community life, his focus, commitment, and devotion were always on the authentic practice of his Catholic faith and the loving support of his family. He gave much of his time, talent and treasure to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Shrub Oak, NY. He was head of the parish finance committee and yearly chaired SEAS’s Archdiocesan Cardinal’s Appeal committee. He was the local council coordinator of the Secular Franciscan Order and belonged to the Holy Name Society. Jim was heavily involved in all church ministries, be it Eucharistic minister, Lectoring or serving as an Usher. In 2011, Jim and Betty moved to Manassas, VA and became parishioners of All Saints Catholic Church. They both continued their service to the Secular Franciscan Order, with Jim also becoming a member of the Knights of Columbus (Third degree). Jim always had a special devotion to Our Lady, Mary, the Mother of God. He was never without the scapular or medals of the Blessed Virgin Mary around his neck. He and Betty had visited Medugorje three times, performed daily devotions, and asked for intercessory prayers from Our Lady on behalf of all their loved ones. Jim’s exemplary life will always be a constant reminder to all who knew him. “Well done, good and faithful servant”. If so desired, donations to Jim and Betty’s Secular Franciscan Order fraternity may be made by check to: Holy Family Fraternity, OFS P.O. Box 4562 Manassas, VA 20108

James Joseph McGraw

May 16, 1929 - November 20, 2023