It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the loss of one of our own. Andover Fire Fighter Jim Graham passed away in late November. With the loss of Jim we are not only robbed of his company but also of his skill as a fire fighter and a caring member of our community.

Jim was a fireman in the United States Navy in his younger days. He came back to firefighting at the time of his retirement from his work. Jim became the oldest individual to ever graduate from the New Hampshire Fire Academy Fire Fighter program. This is a very physically demanding course; many candidates less than half Jim’s age drop out. Jim was very proud of this accomplishment, and in a quiet way he became an inspiration to all of us.

Jim spent many hours at the stations repairing and cleaning equipment. It was always nice to stop in the station and see him reading a fire magazine in our kitchen, sipping coffee. Jim gave the station life.

After a fire, we would all return to the station and just flop into the chairs, trying to gain strength enough to repack our equipment. Jim would just get up after a short time and get busy. Jim’s way was quiet; his presence was not.

Jim is no longer in quarters; the station kitchen is very quiet. His gear is still in his chair, and will be for some time. His quiet confidence and friendship is in all our hearts.

We will go on; Jim would have it no other way. We are all better for having known him and are very proud to have served with him.

Jim was a lot of good things in life — a son, brother, husband, and dad. To us, he was a firefighter.