James Carter Ross

James Carter Ross, 83, of Graham, Texas, passed away Monday, January 5, 2026, in Graham, surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Graham, with Pastor Charlie Bazan presiding under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Jim was born on December 13, 1942, in Jacksboro, Texas, to the late James Lloyd Ross and Betty Lou Carter. Following his graduation from Graham High School in 1961, he attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he later became employed by Greyhound as a City Marketing Representative in Dallas.

He married Ethel May Graham on December 3, 1977, in Arlington, Texas, blending two families into one. They moved to Graham in 1980 to raise their four children where Jim worked in the family oil and gas operating business of Bausch & Hanna. In 1997, he developed an interest in law enforcement, first serving as a jailer for the Young County Sheriff’s Department, then finishing his career as Judge Ross, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, from 2007 to 2014.

In his younger days, Jim enjoyed working cattle and living on the Stewart Ranch in Loving, Texas. He also loved playing golf, following the Graham Steers and Lady Blues, participating in fantasy football leagues with friends, and sharing many good times and laughs with his family, of whom he was most proud. He was a member of the Maskat Shrine, Grand Lodge of Texas – Loving Lodge #917, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and First Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include his daughters, Karen Dies and husband Tommy of Graham, Texas; Staci Taylor and husband Chris of Lipan, Texas; and Sharon “Sam” Moore and husband Steve of Arlington, Texas; his sister, Sandra Kay Ross of Dallas, Texas; his brother, Alan Hanna and wife Vicki of Graham, Texas; grandchildren Jordan Dies and wife Laura of Graham, Texas; Zach Cantrell of Austin, Texas; Megan Hayes and husband Hunter of Highland Village, Texas; Gavin Taylor of Lipan, Texas; Carter Ross of Woodland, California; and five great-grandchildren, Lily Grace, Jane Ryan, Hazel Ann, Henry Tomlinson, and Leif Hunter.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel May Ross; his son, Steven Carter Ross; his father, James Lloyd Ross; his mother, Betty Lou Hanna; his stepfather, G.C. Hanna; his brother, Jimmy Wayne Ross; and his first wife, Elizabeth Ann Ross.

Those desiring to honor Jim’s memory with a memorial might consider the JD Burke Scholarship Foundation (501c) for college tuition c/o Phil Denny PO Box 1645 Graham, TX 76450 or charity of your choice. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Elison Assisted Living & Memory Care and Beyond Faith Homecare and Hospice of Graham, Texas, for their compassionate care.