James S. Graves, 74, of Sparks, died July 22, 2000, at Northern Nevada Medical Center.  

A native of Wichita, Kan., he was born March 20, 1926, to Charles W. and Helen Virginia (Simpson) Graves and had lived in Sparks for the past eight years, coming from Girdwood, Alaska.  

Graves worked for Union Oil Company for 20 years, retiring in 1982 and for ARCO at North Slope, Kuparuk Field, Girdwood, until 1992. He graduated from South Pasadena High School, Pasadena, Calif., in 1944 and attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Calif. He was a World War II Navy submarine veteran, member of the Boy Scouts, receiving the Silver Beaver award and a member of the South Reno United Methodist church.  

Daughter, Karen E. Cramer, died in 1974 and parents preceded him in death.  

Surviving are wife, Alice O. (Owens) of Sparks, sons, David O. of Maui, Hawaii and Thomas W. of Reno, daughters, Charlene M. Stevens of Washoe Valley and Diane M. DelFrate of Sandia Park, N.M. sister, Alice Ann Gardner of Pasadena and six grandchildren.  

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. August 3, at the church, 200 De Spain Lane.  

Cremation will be at Sierra Crematory, under the direction of John Sparks Memorial Cremation and Burial Society.  

A memorial fund is being established with the church, 200 De Spain Lane, Reno 89511.