McGraw, James Lee

James “Jim” Lee McGraw passed away on June 8, 2020 in Houston, Texas from a brief illness caused by sepsis. He was born on June 27, 1949 in Louisville, Kentucky to James Leslie and Alma McGraw. Jim attended Mission Bend United Methodist Church in Houston. Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Patricia; mother, Alma; brothers, Mike, Roger (Julie), Tom (Donna); sister, Jeanie Preston (Ralph Preston); numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, James “Jack” McGraw.

Jim graduated from Corydon Central High School in 1967. From 1972-78 he was a medic in the Indiana Army National Guard. In 1975 he earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Purdue University and in 1985 a MS is Engineering Management from the University of Louisville.

Jim served the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers, Inc. (IISRP) for 40 years, both as an IISRP chair and active committee member while employed by American Synthetic Rubber Corporation (ASRC). He subsequently served as Deputy and Managing Director and CEO for over 17 years. He was a leader in his field, recognized by his peers globally for enhancing member services and administrative effectiveness. Even in retirement, he served as an advisor to the IISRP Executive Committee. In 2016, Jim was honored as the Institute's General Award for his contributions to heightened awareness and added value to the industry and to society in improving quality of life through regulatory compliance.

Although Jim’s work was based in Houston, IISRP had offices in London, Tokyo and Beijing. One of his greatest joys was traveling the world with the love of his life, Pat, on work trips. Together they experienced all the world had to offer. Even well into retirement, they both always had plans for their next adventure, which is why their favorite song was “What a Wonderful World.”

Jim loved working on his family’s farm in Corydon, cooking recipes from the cookbooks he collected from around the world, wood working, collecting HO scale trains, and restoring his 1966 Super Sport Chevelle with Pat and friend, Bob Bartley. He was a member of the National Hot Rod Association and the National Street Rod.

Due to COVID-19, there will be a private funeral for immediate family only at Beanblossom-Cesar Funeral Home on Saturday, June 13, 2020. Pallbearers include Mike McGraw, Roger McGraw, Tom McGraw, Paul Cecil, Bryan Hendrix, and Scott Hendrix. Honorary Pallbearers include Delbert Hayden, Mike Jones, Frank Ordner, Lester Rhoads, Bruce Windell, and Mark Wiseman.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for contributions to the James L. and Patricia E. McGraw Scholarship Fund at The Harrison County Community Foundation, Inc. Please call 812-738-6668 for more information.