A pillar of the local community passed away this week.
James “Jimmy” Graves died Sunday, surrounded by his family. Graves, 89, was a fixture in the local community, having created what is now known as Graves Mountain Farm and Lodges.
Graves was born June 22, 1936 in Syria. He graduated from Madison County High School and spent a postgraduate year at Woodberry Forest before receiving a bachelor of science degree in agricultural economics from Virginia Tech in 1961. After spending two years in the armed forces, Graves returned home and met his wife of 62 years, Rachel, through 4-H. The two married and in 1965, opened Graves Mountain Lodge, continuing a tradition of hospitality that had been instilled in Graves by previous generations of his family.
The family business, operated by Jimmy and Rachel, their two sons, daughters-in-law and their children, has welcomed thousands of guests through the years, both for lodging and dining, as well as annual events including Heritage Day, the apple harvest festival and the Graves Mountain Music Festival. The lodge also serves as the location for the county’s annual fireworks display on July 4 and is a major contributor to the local tourism industry.
Aside from his business, Graves was also a supporter of the community at large. He offered his land for parking near the Whiteoak Canyon trailhead and constructed a bridge to increase access. That bridge was updated by the park service in 2019. Graves cut the ribbon during the ceremony. He was also a supporter of the Madison County Volunteer Rescue Squad. In 2014, he and his family were given the honorary member award for their support of the squad, especially in boosting fundraising efforts. In 2012, Jimmy and Rachel Graves were chosen as the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Business Persons of the Year.
Additionally, Graves served on numerous boards and committees. He was listed as an original member of the Rapidan Service Authority Board and also served as the announcer at Madison County High School football games.
Upon learning of his passing, numerous friends and local business owners expressed their appreciation for Graves.
“Jimmy’s dedication to family, community and the beautiful tradition of hospitality at Graves Mountain Lodge touched so many lives here in Madison County and beyond,” Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery officials said in a statement posted to social media. “His kindness, integrity and love for this community will be deeply missed.”
Madison County Economic Development and Tourism Director Tracey Gardner said Graves was a tremendous person, icon, author and legend. In 2023, Graves wrote a book with Alyssa Stickley “Shadows of the Blue Ridge: Graves Mountain Farm and Lodges and The Graves Family.”
A funeral service will be held Thursday, Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. at Hebron Lutheran Church in Madison. Committal will follow at the church cemetery. A reception will be held at Graves Mountain Lodge after the service. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@HebronLutheran1717/streams.
Graves is survived by wife Rachel, sons Lucky and Lynn and their wives, several grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jimmy’s name, to Hebron Lutheran Church Foundation, P.O. Box 1009, Madison, VA 22727, or 4H Program of Madison County, checks made to Virginia Tech Foundation, 902 Prices Fork Road, Attn: Gift Accounting, Blacksburg, VA 24061.
