Timothy "Tim" James MacGraw

Timothy James MacGraw joined his Heavenly Father on November 15, 2020. He was born on October 14, 1950 to John James and Marie (Rich) MacGraw in Jackson, MI.

Educated at Davenport College, Tim was a retired Splicer for Michigan Bell and also worked as a driver for Dean Transportation. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake, MI where he served as a church and school volunteer for many years.

Tim married Linda (Rohloff) MacGraw on May 14, 1988 in Las Vegas, NV. She preceded him in death on October 20, 2020.Tim introduced Linda to Special Olympics and then served the Michigan Area 12 athletes for over 30 years at local, state, and national games. Tim was also a member of the Knights of Columbus where he was elected to serve as a Grand Knight for his council. His devotion to these two organizations, as well as several others, was unmatched. He touched the lives of many people in his community and was most recognizable as our very own Santa Claus.

Tim was a graduate of C.W. Howard Santa Claus School, and was a member of the Great Lakes Santa’s and the Michigan Association of Professional Santas. He served as Santa Claus, along with Linda as Mrs. Claus, on the Coopersville Train for several years. He loved bringing joy into the hearts of children, and he embodied the spirit of Christmas all year long. Anyone who met Tim knew the jolly “Ho, ho, ho!” that he shared with anyone who he caught noticing his long white beard. Tim was even known to be stopped in local establishments by children asking to give him their Christmas wishes.

For several years, Tim coached softball for the Tri-Cities Kids League. His brightly colored Hawaiian shirts were his signature on the ball field, and his players and fellow coaches respected his commitment to teaching sportsmanship above winning games.

In death, Tim has left his son, Joshua MacGraw; and his step-daughters, Meagan Ross, Jillian (Brad) Taylor, and Erin Miller. He will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Dominic, Alexis, Maya, Kaelin, and Lucas.

Tim is also going to be deeply missed by his siblings: John Patrick (Priscilla) MacGraw, Theresa Easton, Mike (Kathy) MacGraw, Dorothea (Jeff) Roberts, Denise MacGraw, and Marcia MacGraw.

Tim is joining in Heaven, his father, John James MacGraw; his mother, Marie MacGraw; his wife, Linda MacGraw; and his grandson, Odin Miller.

A Memorial Mass for Tim will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the Church. 

Tim’s family requests memorial contributions be made to Special Olympics Michigan Area 12.

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