John A. Graham, 76 of Watseka passed away on Monday November 13, 2023 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. He was born on January 13, 1947 in Terre Haute, IN a son of John Robert and Sara (Jones) Graham. John married Carol Byland in Carrollton, IL on August 17, 1969 and she survives along with a half- brother- David Lee Graham of New Haven, CT.
John received his Bachelor of Education from Eastern Illinois University, Masters in Music Education from Illinois State University, and post graduate work at U of I, NIU, and WIU. He was music director at Glenn Raymond and Woodland school for 35 years. John was the former chair of Iroquois County Junior High Band Festival and presenter of Iroquois County Teachers Institute along with serving as an officer and President of UNEA. He performed several duties at Unit 9 including umpiring boys and girl’s games, scoreboard operator, announcer for Watseka Marching Band Invitational and emcee of Watseka Swing Choir Invitational. During his 53 years in Watseka, he was a member of Watseka Jaycees, United Way, and IKAN for curriculum development. He enjoyed traveling, hiking, visiting National Parks, avid amateur photography, and baseball fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox. Upon retirement, he starred and performed in a few Sally Webb productions.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
