James Arthur GRAFFRATH, 87, of Wellsville, NY, died at home on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, with his loving wife, Lynn, at his side. 

Born June 8, 1938, in Rochester, he was the son of Paul A. and Druscilla Smallridge Graffrath. A 1956 graduate of Irondequoit High School, he served with the National Guard beginning in 1956 and was activated to serve with the U.S. Army as a Supply Sergeant from 1961 – 1962. 

In 1958, he owned and operated a fruit stand and garden store in Webster. He served with the Webster Police Department from 1966 – 1972, after which he headed south to live on a sailboat for three years in the Florida Keys. He moved to Andover in 1976 and built a log home on Pixley Hill. In 1977, he became a Correctional Officer for Allegany County and in 1978 joined the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department and the Andover Police Department. Jim and Lynn owned and operated the Wellsville Pennysaver from 1981 – 1988. His jobs after that were manager of the Wellsville Daily Reporter and Sandle Custom Bearing. 

Jim was a member of the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce, Wellsville Lions Club, and Wellsville Downtown Merchants Association. He served three terms as an Allegany County Legislator from 1993 – 2004. 

In 1993, Jim and Lynn started the Secret Santa Christmas Dinner Tradition. With the help of several anonymous volunteers and donations from local businesses, hot meals are delivered to the needy and shut-ins on Christmas morning. This is a tradition that continues today and has grown to the delivery of more than 250 meals.

Jim dearly loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they all loved hearing the stories of "back in the day" that he loved to share. He and Lynn loved traveling the world to many beautiful places. They spent many winters in Panama City Beach, FL and made lots of friends along the way. Fishing on the pier, cooking together, and trying new restaurants with Lynn were among their favorite past-times. But the place he loved most of all was on Pixley Hill, where he could be found gardening, hunting, taking long walks in the woods, or sharing a meal with the Pixley Hill Hunt Club. 

Surviving besides his wife, Lynn, are: a son, James B. Graffrath; stepchildren, Lisa Cline Lindsay and her husband Michael, Scott Cline, and Daniel Cline; several beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Howard Graffrath. 

Friends may call Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State St., Wellsville. 

Memorials may be made to Hart Comfort House, 141 E. State St., Wellsville, NY 14895. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.