John Calhoun Graham, Jr. passed away January 15, 2017 in Kitty Hawk, NC. “Jack” was born on September 12, 1935 in Red Springs, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Calhoun Graham, Sr. and Kathleen Lowman Graham, as well as his older sister, Ruth Graham Cross.
Jack is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Phyllis Jammer Graham of the home in Kitty Hawk; son John Calhoun Graham, III (Laurie) of Kitty Hawk; and daughter Stephanie Graham Miller (Bill) of Greensboro; grandson John “Jack” Graham, IV of Nags Head; grandson Alexander Prather Miller of Atlanta, Georgia; granddaughter Caitlin Graham Miller of Dallas, Texas; and grandson Nicholas Perry Graham of Atlanta, Georgia.
After graduating from Red Springs High School, Jack attended Davidson College where his greatest achievement was meeting Phyllis, a Queens College student who would become his wife soon after graduation. With the support of Phyllis, Jack entered medical school at the University of North Carolina.
Following an internship in Charleston at the Medical University of South Carolina, Jack’s medical career began as a captain in the U.S Army, where he was stationed with a helicopter group in Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Following his military service, Jack practiced as a family doctor in Newport News, Virginia before eventually heading back to Chapel Hill and a residency in Radiology. A lifelong love of the water led him to Elizabeth City in 1972 as a member of Albemarle Radiology.
In the 1980s, Jack would open the first radiology office along the Outer Banks, and he began dividing his time between the practice in Elizabeth City and Nags Head. In 1997, Phyllis and Jack moved to Kitty Hawk with Jack eventually retiring from practice in 2005.
Jack’s love and appreciation of fishing began as a boy. In 1974 he was appointed by Governor Jim Martin to the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission where he sought to fairly balance the rights of sportsmen and commercial fishermen.
Jack was a longtime member of the Rotary Club, both the Elizabeth City and Outer Banks chapters, as well as a member of Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church.
Anyone who knew Jack knew that he was truly passionate about three things his family, hunting, and fishing. There was nothing he loved more than to share his love of hunting and fishing with his family. He also loved boating, water skiing and nurturing Stephanie’s love of horses.
His children both benefitted from hours spent with their dad in a boat, deer stand, dove field, duck blind or at a horse show. As his grandchildren were born, he continued to teach them all how to fish, how to hunt, how to water-ski, how to best catch a crab.
As a young man Jack spent 16 summers as a camper and counselor at Camp Wallawhatoola, fostering a lifelong love of the mountains of Virginia. He truly loved Proctors Draft, his farm in nearby Millboro Springs.
He also loved traveling to warmer climes. The Abacos became a favorite destination, shared first and foremost with Phyllis, then children and finally, grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the many caregivers who provided help and aid for Jack over the last few years.
A funeral service will be held for Jack at 11:00 am Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church. All are invited to join the family for a luncheon following the service at Kelly’s Restaurant.
Memorials may be sent to Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church, 803 W. Kitty Hawk Rd., Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 or Outer Banks Dare Challenge, PO Box 123, Wanchese, NC 27981.
Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed at www.twifordfh.com.
As published in The Daily Advance