Dr. James F. Graham, Jr.

Born October 15, 1938 in Charlotte, NC, Dr. James Franklin Graham passed away on October 7, 2021 in Myrtle Beach, SC.  A pastor’s son, Jim grew up sitting in many pews across Lincoln and Mecklenburg County in NC.  Graduating from West Mecklenburg High School in 1956, he was then accepted into Wake Forest University. A member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and member of the collegiate golf team under legendary golf coach Jesse Haddock and graduated with his undergraduate degree in 1961.  Accepted into Bowman-Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest, he graduated in 1965 with an M.D. and was active in several honors societies.  Postgraduate training included Wilford Hall USAF Hospital and School of Aerospace Medicine in San Antonio, TX.  He then began his appointment as Chief of Aerospace Medicine at the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing Dispensary in Ubon, Thailand.  Major James Graham, US Air Force Flight Surgeon and F-4 Phantom Fighter Pilot, flew over 70 missions during the Vietnam War and served over 6 years.  A Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Oak Leaf Clusters  recipient, AirMedal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters recipient, and Airforce Commendation Medal recipient, Graham was honorably discharged in 1970 as the Deputy Hospital Commander & Chief of Aerospace Medicine of the USAF Hospital in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Dr. Graham then opened his first private practice in Myrtle Beach in General and Family Medicine for 18 years while serving on staff at Ocean View Memorial Hospital and Grand Strand Regional Hospital.  In early 80’s, Dr. Graham earned his certification in Addiction Medicine and began practicing as Medical Director and Owner of Ocean View Recovery Center for the next 12 years.  He also became the Physician Consultant for Addiction Disorders for the PGA of America.  Early 90’s called Dr. Graham and family to Tucson, Arizona where he became Medical Director of Sierra Tucson, a premier residential treatment facility where he treated many well-known personalities.  He then went on to become Medical Director of Cottonwood De Tucson until 1995 when he and family moved back to Myrtle Beach to continue work in the general and addiction medicine field.  He has been affiliated with many area hospitals and practices such as Grand Strand Regional where he also served as Board Member, South Strand Senior Health Center, Charter Sands, Palmetto Ocean View Behavioral Health, Lighthouse Care Center, Pathways and Carolina Health Specialists.  In 2007, Dr. Graham founded Coastal Recovery Center and 8:36 Ministries with a group of dedicated friends and community leaders to help serve the Grand Strand community with Christ centered addiction counseling and treatment.  The ministry is founded on the scripture John 8:36 - “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” In addition to this ministry work, Dr. Graham had served for many years as an Elder at Beach Church where he was a member for over 26 years.

In addition to his predeceased parents, Rev. James & Mrs. Eunice Graham of Charlotte, NC are sister and brother in-law, Rev. Grady and Betty Faulk and grandson, Stone Pope.  Surviving in addition to his wife, Annette Graham, is son Clay Graham and wife Sidney of Greenwich, Connecticut; Daughter Jennifer and husband Doug Constable of Winston-Salem, NC; Daughter Millie and husband Matt Lindley of Raleigh, NC; Son Rhett Graham and wife April of Wilmington, NC; Daughter Holt and husband Shane Pope; Grandchildren include: McMillan and Emmett Graham, Seth and Thomas Constable, Jack and Eliza Lindley,  Madison and Hannah Pope, Campbell, Landry and Abbott Graham.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Ocean View Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be 2:30 PM, Monday, October 11, 2021, at Ocean View Baptist Church and burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Conway.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Coastal Recovery Center or 836 Ministries, Inc, 1113-44th Ave. N, Suite # 100, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. https://www.coastalrecoverycenter.com/#donations .

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