James Leylon Graham, 83, of Laurel, MS, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Born on December 9, 1942, in Toxey, Alabama, James was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Mary Eloise Busby Graham, and his loving daughters, Kayla Andrews (Chris), Kimberly Carlisle (William), and Keri Hans (Garold). James was a cherished grandfather to Eli, Payson, and Sutton Andrews, Jayden, Gabriel, and Maddie Carlisle, and Teresa and Ella Hans. He is also survived by his brother, Randale Graham (Betty), and sister, Faye Boutwell (Michael), his brother-in-law, Gayron Turner, and sisters-in-law, Clarice Hartshorn and Dean Slaton, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Edwin Graham and Nola Grace Todd Graham, his brother, Lamar Graham (Ruby), and sister, Addie Mae Turner. He was also predeceased by his father-in-law, Roy Busby (Frances), brothers-in-law, Norman Hartshorn and Ralph Slaton, and sister-in-law, Faye Walker (Warren).

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, located at 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM at the same location, with burial at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi.

Pallbearers will include Chris Andrews, Garold Hans, Brent Boutwell, Paul Graham, Mike Walker, and Joey Turner. Honorary pallbearers are William Carlisle, Kimble Slaton, David Hartshorn, Steve Hartshorn, Rickey Graham, and Eddie Graham.

James will be remembered for his dedication to his family and the love he shared with all who knew him. An online guestbook is available for condolences at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.