On November 25, 2013, James Richard (Jim) Graham, a long-time resident of Andover, proud US Navy veteran, and volunteer firefighter attached to the Andover Fire Department, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Plains Road. In accordance with Jim’s often-expressed wishes, on December 2 following a memorial service celebrating his life, Jim was carried by a gleaming red fire truck from the funeral home chapel to the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.

Surrounded by family, friends, and a large contingent of uniformed firefighters, as Jim was moved to his final resting site, the sorrowful but beautiful sound of a bagpipe being played by a uniformed firefighter echoed throughout the cemetery, bidding a final farewell to a man dearly loved. Jim would have been extremely proud.

There are not enough words to fully express the heartfelt thanks of the Graham family for the honor bestowed on Jim by the presence of the volunteers of the Andover Fire Department and the Andover Emergency Medical Service at his memorial service and interment ceremony. The town of Andover has much to be proud of in such a fine group of committed and dedicated volunteer men and women.

When Jim’s health declined such that he could no longer physically maintain his property, his “brother” firefighters volunteered their services to complete the tasks, much as Jim had done for others when he was capable. Jim often mentioned that a reason for his being a volunteer firefighter was a way for him to give back to the town much of what he felt he had received over the years.

~ The Graham Family