Obituary of James M. McGraw

James M. McGraw, 93, of Taylor died Sunday at Mountain View Care Center, Scranton.  His wife, Elsie M., who was the love of his life and his soul mate until her death on January 23, 2013.  They were married 64 years.

Born in Taylor, he was the son of the late Martin A. and Mary Rindos McGraw.  Jim proudly served our country during WWII with the US Army.  During this time, he attained the rank of corporal and served with company B 85^th chemical mortar.  Jim was stationed in New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago and the southern Philippines.  His decoration and citations included two purple hearts, the Good conduct Medal, the Philippine ribbon with two bronze stars, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal with 4 bronze stars and the WWII Victory Medal.  After WWII, Jim also served with the US Navy.  In 1988, he retired from the US Postal Service, with 42 years of service.  He was a parishioner of Divine Mercy Parish and a member of the Taylor American Legion Post 306, Taylor. Up until the age of 72, he played softball for many leagues in Lackawanna County.  He enjoyed reading and was a Los Angeles Dodgers and a Notre Dame fan.

The McGraw Family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of Mountain View Care Center, for their care and compassion given to their father, over the years.

Also surviving are seven children, Mary Summa, Old Forge; James M. (Mary) McGraw, Taylor; Patrick McGraw and Debi Spiewak, Old Forge; Margaret McGraw, Kingston; Kathy McGraw, Old Forge; Ann (Lonny) Mickavicz, Taylor and Martin McGraw, Old Forge; six grandchildren, Mark Summa, James Summa(Nicole Revesz), Jennifer Summa (Kevin Smith)and Danielle Summa (Chris Wilcox), Lindsey(Jody) Fanning and Laura(Mark) Mowery; eight great grandchildren, P.J. and Brandon Vahey, Hunter Smith,  Ethan, Makenzie and Connor Fanning and Julia and Tyler Mowery; a sister, Ruth Lavelle, Avoca.  Nieces and Nephews. Three grandchildren Jessica and Jessie McGraw and Melanie Summa preceded him in death.

The funeral will be Thursday at 9:30 a.m. from the Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St., Taylor, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Divine Mercy Parish, 312 Davis St., by the Rev. Francis L. Pauselli, pastor. Interment with military honors will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Old Forge.  Friends may call Wednesday 4:00 to 7:00 pm.