Joseph Graves

Date of Birth

Jan 20,1986

Date of Death

Apr 15,2017

Joseph “Joey” Graves, age 31, of Batavia, IL, was tragically taken from this world on Saturday, April 15, 2017.
He was born on January 20, 1986, in Geneva, IL, to proud parents, Charles and Linda (Feece) Graves.
Joey grew up in Batavia and attended local schools. He graduated from Batavia High School with the class of 2005. Before leaving with diploma in hand, Joey made a name for himself in many sports, but he was known especially for wrestling. He continued his education, as well as his wrestling career, at Waubonsee Community College.
Joey worked in many different areas, including Banfield Veterinarian Clinic, construction and Anthony Murano Company, a wholesale produce business in Chicago.
Joey had the distinction of being awarded the title “Class Daredevil” in the high school yearbook, a reputation he was all too happy to wear. It followed him into adulthood and endeared him to many people in all walks of life. He had a big heart and wore it on his sleeve. He put his love of others on display at Marklund, an organization that serves infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities. His dedication and heart didn’t go unnoticed as he won a “Volunteer of the Year” award. He also was a mentor to many, teaching youth wrestling to all the young grapplers who were willing to learn at both the Batavia and Kaneland High Schools. One thing was for sure, all kids loved Joey and it’s speculated that they naturally gravitated to him because he was just a “big kid” himself. In fact, no one embraced the Pokémon phenomenon like Joey. Animals also had a special place in his heart and life, but nothing and no one was more important to him than family.
He is survived by his girlfriend, Melissa Roney, and her children, Landon and Laelah, whom he loved as his own; his father Charles Graves; his mother, Linda Feece-Graves; one brother, Jake (Jessica Dillon) Graves, Jake’s son Frank and their son Benson; a sister, Sarah (fiancée Paul Pasano) Graves and her son Thomas; paternal grandparents Robert and Gail Graves; maternal grandfather, James Feece; many aunts, uncles, cousins and a countryside of friends who will miss him dearly.
He now joins her maternal grandmother, Patricia nee Lutin Feece, who preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 2:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 20, 2017, at the Elburn Lions Park, 500 Filmore St., Elburn, IL 60119. A memorial service to celebrate his life will follow visitation at 7 p.m. with private cremation burial to follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Joey’s name. Checks may be made to the “Joseph Graves Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com where you can see his full life story. Comprehensive Bereavement Care provided by Conley Funeral Home, Elburn.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will follow visitation at 7 p.m. with

Visitation will be from 2:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 20, 2017, at the Elburn Lions Park, 500 Filmore St., Elburn, IL 60119.

Private

Leave Condolences or Memories