James David Graf

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Graf, James David age 85, of North St. Paul, MN passed away April 2, 2024 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Jim graduated from the St. Paul Vocational School in 1957, and then joined the Marines and proudly served in Okinawa and the Philippines as a heavy equipment mechanic. He went on to work at Indianhead, Twin City Freight, and Mack Trucking Co. He finished his career at Northwest Airlines where he received an award for zero absences in 10 years. While he worked there, he earned the nickname, Zippy, and often said it was the best job he ever had. In his retirement he busied himself with metal scrapping and trips up North. Throughout his life, Jim was an avid outdoorsman who always had a dog by his side. He hunted everything from bears to prairie dogs. He would fish in any lake in any weather and had many stories to tell about it all. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph & Gertrude. He is survived by his daughters, Colleen and Carrie; ex-wife and mother of his children, Kittie; his dog, Sam #3. A party to remember Jim will be held on Friday, May 10 from 5 - 9 PM at the North St. Paul American Legion, 2678 7th Ave E, North St. Paul, with dinner at 6 PM. All that knew Jim are welcome to attend. His remains were interred with honors at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on April 17. Memorials preferred to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans; a nonprofit dedicated to ending veteran homelessness.

Published on April 28, 2024