The Passing of 1st Class Firefighter James Graham
 
By Junior Firefighter Francis Smiley Jr.
July 17, 2012
 

It is with the deepest sorrow and regret that the Good Will Fire Company No.2 announces the passing of 1st Class Firefighter James Graham. Jimmy joined the Good Will Fire Company No.2 in 1988 and quickly became an outstanding firefighter and leader. Jimmy was elected to the office of Third Lieutenant and served in that position in 1992, Jimmy served as the First Lieutenant from 1993 to 1995 and again from 1998 to 2000, Jimmy was elected as the Captain of the Good Will Fire Company from 2000 to 2006, and Jimmy served the company as a Trustee in 2009 and 2010.

Jimmy leaves a legacy of hard work, dedication, service to others, and never turning away a person in need. Jimmy would give a complete stranger the shirt off of his back, he could be commonly found cutting trees so that the Fire Police didn't have to stay out at a downed tree all night, and always completed jobs that no one else would do. Jimmy always led by example, worked to complete exhaustion, and always expected everyone to their best.

Jimmy loved getting dirty, was tough as nails, and defined what it means to be a Senior Man. Jimmy taught and mentored many generations of Good Will Firemen, had an infectious laugh, and was often the life of any party he attended. He defined First In and Last Out, putting the fire out no matter what it took, and working the longest and hardest of anyone on the fire ground. Jimmy performed flawlessly on the fire ground, was the first to get up for work and the last to sit down, and always made time to make sure his guys were taken care of.

Jimmy had three true loves in his life; his family, the outdoors, and the Good Will Fire Company! Jimmy was a legend among legends, a friend, THE Captain, a teacher, a mentor, a leader, but most importantly Jimmy was our brother! Jimmy epitomized what it means to be a Good Will Fireman, set the bar for the rest of us to raise, and forged the path for future generations of Good Will Firemen to follow.

Jimmy, I write the sentiments that have been echoed by each and every member, from the most senior to the newest, when I say that we are all better people simply having known you. It was an honor to have been your friend, brother, and to have fought fire with you. It was a pleasure to have laughed with you, talked with you, and learned from you. The pain you endured and the battle you waged are an inspiration to all of us, when we think things are tough for us we all can look back at the battle you waged with dignity and honor. You were a man's man and a fireman's fireman, you were simply the best!

In late 2011 Jimmy was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and fought the hardest and most courageous battle of his life, unfortunately Jimmy lost his battle with cancer on July 17th, 2012.

Jimmy is survived by his wife Robin, his daughters Brittany and Haleigh, and his stepchildren Brandon and Brittany. A viewing will be held on Friday July 20th from 4pm to 8pm at the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith, and Boyd Funeral Home at 410 N. Church Street, West Chester PA and a private family service on Saturday July 21st from 11:30am to 12:30pm, a procession will escort Jimmy and his family from the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith, and Boyd Funeral Home to the Good Will Fire Company No.2 where a wake will take place beginning at 13:00. Any department wishing to send apparatus to the procession and wake can contact Captain Chris Good at (484) 880 – 1099.

Captain Chris Good