John Graham Obituary

John (Jack)
Lewis Graham, III
4/26/34 - 6 /26/2022
Architect, Preservationist,
Sculptor, Futurist, Boater
John L. Graham the III was the only child of Lillian and John L. Graham Jr., Jack was born and raised in center city Philadelphia. He attended Friends Select and graduated from Penn Charter. In high school he developed his interest in drawing and design. On weekends he visited the science museums and developed his interest in science and statistics.
Jack is survived by his wife of 50 years, Martha Kegan Graham; five children, Robert Graham (Maura), Chris Graham (Roberta), Louise Dusinberre (Brian), Kim Dumas, Megan Young (Erik); and seven grandchildren, Ashton, Christian, Jackson, Will, Graham, Jasper, and Bethany. The families regularly gather to enjoy special occasions at the Cellar House Farm (circa 1730), Jack's pride and joy, on the Pocomoke River.
Always the entrepreneur, starting at the age of 12 until 21, Jack managed a paper route in the large Philadelphia apartment house where his family lived. This afforded him his first car and boat which he enjoyed during summers with his grandparents in Smyrna, DE.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Architecture, Jack studied under Louis Kahn from whom he learned the value of the triangular element of design. While in the Coast Guard at age 25, he designed a unique triangular shaped lighthouse on Sullivans Island, SC needed to guide the ships entering the Charleston harbor. Three years later, he discovered in a boating magazine that it had been built without giving him recognition. In 2007, he was informed the lighthouse was to be decommissioned and ownership was being transferred to the historic Fort Moultrie National Park. Jack notified the park rangers that he was the architect and presented them with his original drawings. The mid-century modern design mystery was solved and Jack has been honored with a large historic marker explaining the origins of his design. This is the last working light house to be built in America.
As an architect and partner of George, Miles and Buhr, Architects and Engineers, Jack designed over 600 projects. These include: the Dunes Manor Hotel, the Commander Hotel, Inn at Perry Cabin, Parkside High School, Holly Center, Shad Landing State Park, Delmarva Discovery Center Museum, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Hogs Neck Arena, Wye Institute, and Aspen Institute.
Additionally, he restored many historic homes including Pemberton Hall, Poplar Hill Mansion, and Cellar House Farm. In 2010, he was awarded the coveted President's Award from Maryland Preservation. For 50 years, Jack was dedicated to the restoration of the Nassawango Iron Furnace. He was honored and recognized as the Mayor of Furnacetown.
Jack served on many historic and community boards including the Greater Salisbury Committee, the Chamber of Commerce, and the RUDAT revitalization committee.
For 70 years he was a member of the United States Power Squadron for whom he taught classes and held offices. He and his wife Martha were avid boaters, sailors, and RV "land yacht" enthusiasts.
His family embraced Jack's eccentric personality and his quirky sense of humor. For those who knew him, you'll understand the significance of the Pocomoke River Snalaghaster, the Infinity Tunnel, and the Star Bellied Sneetches.
A celebration of life will be held on Labor Day Weekend when all the grandchildren will be able to attend. Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
As often quoted to his children in parting …."May the force be with you".