Family

 

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Graham was born in this house on April 7, 1921 near the town of Cleveland in Rowan County.

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While in high school, Jim (4th from left) served as President of the Cleveland High School Future Farmers of America Chapter. His Vocational Agriculture teacher, Mr. P. H. Satterwhite is pictured on left. Jim Graham went on to receive the highest award by the FFA, the Honorary American Farmer Degree, presented in Kansas City, November 8, 1979.

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Jim (holding ball) and members of the 1936 Cleveland High School basketball team.

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Jim Graham met Helen Ida Kirk at this waterfall on the grounds of the NC State Fair in 1941. The waterfall was torn down in 1967.

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James Allen Graham graduated in 1942 from North Carolina State College in Agricultural Education.

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Jim Graham began his career with NCDA as superintendent of the upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel Springs.

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Commissioner Graham was first sworn in on July 30, 1964 (Helen's birthday).

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The James Turner Graham family (l-r) Charles Graham (Jim's brother) and his wife Katherine, Helen, Laura (Jim's mother), James Turner Graham (Jim's father), and sister, Mary Emma Little.

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The Jim Graham Building was dedicated in his honor during 1978. It houses livestock during the State Fair and is utilized year round for various shows.

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Commissioner Graham was named "Man of the Year" in January, 1979 by The Progressive Farmer magazine. Pictured left to right is the Under Secretary of Agriculture, Phil Campbell, Commissioner Graham and Hal Johnson, Editor.

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The Jim Graham Family (front row l-r) Connie Brooks, Lauren Brooks, Helen, Jim, Allen Brooks and Alice Underhill. (Back row) Berry Brooks holding Grace Ann Brooks, Berry Brooks, Graham Underhill, Laura Underhill, Reed Underhill and Tee Underhill.

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Jim and Helen on Inaugural Day January, 1989.

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The new waterfall at the NC State Fair was dedicated on October 14, 1999 as the Helen Kirk Graham Waterfall. Funds collected will be donated to the NC Alzheimer Association, Eastern Chapter.