Jack Graves, 65, of Franklin, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2019.
To those who knew him well, Jack was a true Renaissance Man, as evidenced by his varied career and interests. He was born July 1, 1953, in Bedford. Jack graduated as valedictorian of his Bedford High School class in 1971; in 1975 he graduated from Asbury University in Wilmore, KY.
He married Barbara (Bobbi) Spicer in 1976. The couple served as short-term missionaries in Indonesia from 1976 to 1978 with One Mission Society (OMS International). From 1978 to 1985, Jack worked as a construction contractor and served as the pastor for young adults at First Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Lexington, KY. During that time, he also studied at Asbury Theological Seminary, earning an Master of Divinity degree in 1983. From 1985 to 2004, Jack held many positions at Overseas Council International, including director of research, vice president for programs, and special assistant to the president. Jack served as executive director for the Theological Book Network from 2004 to 2007, and director of grant management at the James C. Blankemeyer Foundation from 2007 to 2012. He was a member of the Billy Graham Center Scholarship Committee at Wheaton College; a scholarship advisor for Langham Partnership/John Stott Ministries; a member of the theological resource team at One Mission Society; and a consultant to North American theological schools on foreign student aid policies.
Jack successfully bridged the worlds of international theological education and quality artistic craftsmanship. His hobbies included 18th century wood and metal working, as well as 18th and early 19th century American history.
Jack’s home is filled with fine examples of furniture that he created. He also designed and built a beautiful log home in Brown County. He had just begun his work on transforming a lovely creek-side property outside Franklin when he suddenly and unexpectedly passed away.
Jack is survived by Bobbi, the woman he dearly loved throughout their 42-year marriage; and four daughters, Ashleigh Graves-Roesler (Bryan) of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, Mab Graves (Larry Endicott) of Indianapolis, Alyssa Hamrick (Forrest) of West Columbia, S.C., Mookie Graves and her son, Ransom of Franklin. He is also survived by half-brother, Larry Lafferty of Bedford; half-sisters, Elaine Pearson of Cloverdale, and Norma Wehrman of Avon.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Houston Graves and Lois Terrell of Bedford; and by his half-brother, Stan Lafferty of Paducah, KY.
A gathering will be from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday, March 25, followed by a celebration of Jack’s life starting at noon, at Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 E. Adams Drive, Franklin. Father Dan Conley of St. Matthews Anglican Church of Nashville, and Pastor Andy Kinsey of Grace UMC, Franklin, will conduct the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to One Mission Society (OMS), 941 Fry Road, Greenwood, IN 46142 in support of International Theological Education in Jack’s name.
Jack’s obituary can be read at wilsonstpierre.com, where the guest book can be signed and personal messages can be left for the family. Arrangements are with Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood.
