James Robert Graham, 94, passed away Aug. 12, 2024, at home in Overland Park. Jim was born in Springfield, Ill., grew up in York, Pa., and was a 1952 graduate of the University of Notre Dame. After graduation, he served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. From there, he became a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Jim is remembered professionally for his 25 years with the FBI in Kansas City, where he supervised the criminal squad. One of the highlights of his FBI career was an assignment to the Warren Commission in Dallas, where he worked on the investigation into President Kennedy’s assassination. Upon retirement from the FBI, Jim became the Managing Director of the Kansas City Crime Commission for 16 years. Jim received the 1995 Clarence M. Kelley Special Recognition Award for his years of crime-fighting service. Among other accomplishments, Jim was instrumental in founding the metro area’s 474-TIPS hotline. Jim especially enjoyed traveling after his retirement.
Jim and his wife Marlene were married for 65 years. In addition to Marlene, Jim is survived by his four children, daughter Mary Beth Norburg (Dan); daughter Teresa Bousum (David); son Robert Graham (Mary), and son Stephen Graham (Teresa); five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Jim was predeceased by his brother Thomas Graham and survived by his sister Carol Moran and sister-in-law Mary Graham.
Visitation will be from 9-10: AM followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9405 Mission Road, Leawood, KS. The family suggests memorial contributions to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas or Cure of Ars Catholic Church.