James M. Graetz, 81, of Mt. Carmel, IL passed away on Monday, January 7, 2013, at Oakview Nursing Home in Mt. Carmel, IL.

He was born on December 5, 1931, in Gibson County, IN; the son of Oliver and Gertrude (Chamberlain) Graetz.

He was married to Shirley Leach for 56 years and she survives.

James worked for the New York Central on the railroad and retired after 42 years with Conrail as a conductor. He was a member of the Evangelical United Methodist Church, Mt. Carmel Elks #715 and a life-time member of the VFW. He also served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Graetz; three children, Melinda (Mark) Cherry of Swansea, IL, Marci (Kent) Deisher of Mt. Carmel, IL and Mike Graetz of Mt. Carmel, IL; five grandchildren, Sarah (Nick) Shafer, Ashley (Darrin) Martin, Erin (Zac) Goldman, Steven Deisher and Nick Deisher; and two great-grandchildren, Elle Martin and Kyndal Shafer.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two sisters, Mary Louise Kunkel and Clara Johnson; and three brothers, Tom Graetz, Bill Graetz and Herb Graetz.

Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at Short Funeral Home, Mt. Carmel, IL.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, 2013, at the chapel of Short Funeral Home with burial at Highland Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Carmel, IL.