James Martin Obituary, Death Cause – James Martin “Jim” Graham, 66 of Bowie, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 10th, 2023. Funeral services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15th, at the First Baptist Church of Bowie, with Dr. Lonnie Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie, TX Family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.
Jim was born December 31, 1956, in Atlanta, GA. He joined the United States Army at the age of 17. He was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division. During this time, he played semiprofessional football for the Army and served as a weightlifting coach. When his commitment was up, he went to Hardin Simmons University where he was a member of the ROTC. Upon graduation in 1982, he was commissioned as a First Lieutenant. He was Honorably Discharged as a Captain of the US Army in 1990.
Jim married Janice (Johnson) on June 4, 1983, in Bowie, TX. After being stationed at several Army posts, they returned to Bowie in 1991 where they both became teachers at Bowie Elementary School. Jim spent 24 years as an educator in Bowie ISD. He was an avid supporter of all Jackrabbit sports. He also served on the Bowie City Council from 2015-2017. Jim was a member of First Baptist Church where in the mid-90s he led the Sunday school class for the residents of TK Ranch. Jim never met a stranger. He loved to talk to and get to know anyone and everyone.
He had a generous spirit and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Jim had a soft spot for animals, especially his beloved dogs Copper, Brownie, and Rocky. Jim is survived by his wife, Janice and daughter, Michelle; his parents, Dick and Pat Hennings; brother, Richard Hennings and wife, Melissa; parents-in-law, Doug and Mary Johnson; brother-in-law, Jim Johnson and wife, Julie; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Woodson and husband, Tannon; as well as several nieces and nephews.
