We sadly pass along the news of the passing of our member and friend, Jack Graves.
Jack M. Graves
December 12, 1926 - June 1, 2020
Jack Graves, son of Benton Havely and Davie Sullenburger Graves, was born 12/12/1926 in Morristown, TN and died peacefully at home with family by his side on 6/1/2020. He was affectionately called a "double Aggie" (or Agginoid by his Sooner family) attending both Texas A&M and Oklahoma A&M with advanced degrees in Architecture and Engineering. Jack proudly served in the Navy during World War II and was fortunate to fly on Oklahoma's first Honor Flight.
His professional career included partnerships with Gruen Associates (NYC) and Oklahoma firms of Sorey Hill & Sorey; Caudill Rowlett & Scott; Binnicker-Graves; the Benham Group; and ADG. In addition to his design of the Gateway Center in Newark, NJ & OKC's first underground pedestrian concourse, Jack's projects included the Lloyd Noble Center (Norman); OK School for the Deaf (Sulphur); research laboratories for both OU School of Pharmacy & the US Dept. of Agriculture; HE Bailey & Indian Nations Turnpikes; OK Publishing Company's headquarters; Fifty Penn Place; Jamestown condominiums; and specifications for a million sq. ft. Ford Motor plant in Romeo, MI. His last project serving as the State's representative on the construction of the OK State Capitol Dome was one of his all-time favorites.
Jack served as President/Chairman of the OK Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the OKC Section of AIA, Construction Industries Council of OK & State Board of Registration for Engineers & Land Surveyors and as member on numerous professional boards & commissions and after retirement enjoyed giving back through gifts of his time and talent. Jack was married to Rosemary Champlin Graves from 1957 until her untimely death and they were blessed with four children -- Sydney, Claire, Laura & Paul. Almost 45 years ago Jack enrolled his twin daughters at Harding Middle School and met their counselor Susie Davis. He and Susie ran into each other at the OKC Tennis Club a few days later, were married less than a month after their first date and greeted their "first, fifth & last" child David Benton two years later.
Predeceased are his parents, brother David Benton & sister Nancy. Jack is survived by his wife Susie Ray Graves; daughters Sydney Carey, Claire McGrath, Laura Zimmerman (Scott); and sons Paul Graves and David Graves; grand-children Rosemary Clary (Kyle), Hope Palladino (Rob), Mallory McConville, Chip Carey, Jack Graves, Natalie Carey; great grandchildren Grace & Skylar Clary, Havely Graves, & Benton Palladino.
Jack served as a Deacon and Stephen Minister at Westminster Presbyterian Church where his Memorial Service will be held Friday 6/5 at 11am. Please wear a touch of his favorite color yellow. Social distancing will be honored and a mask required. You may also join via live stream. Gifts in Jack's memory may be made to WPC Foundation (
www.wpcokc.org
) or the Parkinson's Foundation of OK (
www.parkinsonoklahoma.com
)
