John Graham

John Raymond Graham

Age 71 of Wilmington and formerly of Chicago, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon, December 18, 2016 at Joliet Area Community Hospice.

Born July 28, 1945 in Chicago, John Raymond was a son of the late John and Estelle (Wojcik) Graham. He was raised in Chicago; graduated from St. Mary High School and then attended Washburne Trade School for Sheet Metal Fabrication. John honorably served in the United States Army and on January 7, 1967 he married Phyllis Ariel.

He took great pride in his work and would spend 25 years with Argonne National Laboratory before retiring.  John was a past Commander of the Wilmington VFW Post 5422 and a member of the Wilmington Moose Lodge #241.  His many interests included playing horseshoes and dominating at the pool table.  He loved singing with his brother and cousins, reading a good book and rooting on the Chicago White Sox, Bears and Blackhawks.  The time he treasured most was time spent with his family.

Survivors include his six daughters: Angela Ahsue of California, Kathleen (Keith) Skoryi, Gayle Graham, Julia Graham, Laura Graham and Victoria Oliva of Wilmington; nine grandchildren: Jessica, Kenny, Brianna, Justin, Cera, Matthew, Tyler, Rylie and Lily; three great grandchildren: Addison, Logan and Carter; two sisters: Barbara Stellon of Arizona and Kathy Hurd of Park Forest; one brother: Robert (Nina) Graham of Tennessee; brother and sister-in-law: Rosie Ariel of Chicago and John Ariel of Centralia as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one son: John, and brother-in law: Ken Stellon.

Cremation rites have been accorded and an inurnment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood at a later date.

Preferred memorial may be made as gifts in John's memory to Joliet Area Community Hospice: http://www.joliethospice.org/online-donations-form.html

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share John's memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)