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Celebrating the life of James Charlton Graves.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, James Charlton Graves, a lifelong resident of Madison County, died on October 26, 2025; and
WHEREAS, James “Jimmy” Graves was born and raised in the community of Syria and graduated from Madison County High School; after completing a postgraduate year at Woodberry Forest School, he earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, then served the nation in the military for two years; and
WHEREAS, Jimmy Graves was a talented athlete who played baseball in high school and college, as well as in the Valley League and while deployed overseas; and
WHEREAS, after returning to the Commonwealth, Jimmy Graves followed in his family's footsteps as a leader in the farming and hospitality industries; and
WHEREAS, in 1965, Jimmy Graves and his wife, Rachel, proudly established Graves Mountain Lodge, now Graves Mountain Farm and Lodges, a premier family resort conveniently located near Shenandoah National Park that continues to serve generations of Virginians and visitors from around the world; and
WHEREAS, outside of his career, Jimmy Graves offered his leadership and expertise to a wide range of local and state boards and committees, striving to enhance the lives of people in need and support the growth and vitality of Madison County; and
WHEREAS, Jimmy Graves will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his beloved wife of 62 years, Rachel; his sons, Lucky and Lynn, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of James Charlton Graves, a pillar of the Madison County community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of James Charlton Graves as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.