Dr. James Wilton Graves, “Jim,” passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, December 27 at the age of 91 following a hip fracture, a stroke, a blocked carotid artery, COVID, and just old age. Jim was born May 16, 1929 in McAllen, Texas to John and Cordelia Graves.

According to Texas Tech, Dr. Graves taught and advised more students than any other individual in the history of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics over his 35 year tenure. In 1998, the year he “semi-retired,” he received the American Agricultural Economics Association Eagle’s Award for his contributions to agricultural economics. The next year he was recognized as an Emeritus Professor by the Board of Regents.

PopPop loved being outside. Whether it was swimming for miles at the Rec Center until he was 80, golfing and fishing with his kids and grandkids in Ruidoso, or gardening and donating the produce to the Food Bank, outside was his favorite place.

He will be remembered for his generosity, his volunteer spirit, and his dry wit and his sly sense of humor.

He is preceded in death by his wife Lindl Tapp Graves in 2001, and his younger brother John Graves of New Hampshire in 2020.

His remaining family includes his sister Ann Ford and sister-in-law Sandra Graves of New Hampshire, children Jay and Andrea Graves of Flagstaff, Arizona, Peter and Becky Graves of Athens, Texas and Lindl and Jimmy Easton of Lubbock and grandchildren Brickland and Gabrielle Easton, Katherine and Kelsey Graves, and Sierra and Kindl Graves and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A special thank you to the staff at Wilshire on 4th for the exceptional love and care he received this last year.

In lieu of flowers, Jim requested that donations be made to your charity of choice, including those he was close to: The Lubbock Arboretum, Lubbock Meals on Wheels, the South Plains Food Bank, the James W. and Lindl Graves Scholarship at Texas Tech University, Literacy Lubbock. Or, if you wish to further your own agricultural education: plant a garden, grow some vegetables, or become a Master Gardener.