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The longest survivor in the tumultuous world of state politics came home Wednesday for a special honor.
The Rowan County Fair Association has named the exhibit hall at the county fairgrounds for N.C. Agriculture Commissioner James A. “Jim” Graham.
Graham, the state’s most successful Democratic officeholder, drew nearly a full slate of local Republican officials for the tribute.
The 78-year-old Graham grew up on his parents’ farm near Cleveland and inherited his interest in farming and politics from his father, the late James T. Graham.
The cigar-chomping Graham has been an unapologetic booster of tobacco, farmers and Democrats. Touted as a candidate for governor on several occasions, he opted to stay in the job he loved.
After holding the agriculture post for 35 years, Graham voted himself out, deciding not to seek re-election.
Fair Manager Eric Ennis presented Graham with a framed copy of the fair catalog cover which is dedicated to Graham.
He praised Graham for his leadership in agriculture and his concern for individual farmers.
“His love of the job will be remembered always,” said Ennis.
Graham shook hands with Ennis and thanked local officials.
“That’s just Phase One,” said Ennis, going on to announce the naming of the exhibit hall.
Ennis talked about a series of meetings he had with Graham in the early 1990s. Ennis was president of the N.C. Fair Association and had been selected to meet with the commissioner and lobby for several fair issues.
He said Graham listened and made several promises. “He did everything we asked for and then some,” said Ennis.
Graham interrupted Ennis, displaying his trademark humor, “I’m not running.”
“Now I know why they insisted I be here,” said Graham. He turned to an Agriculture Department employee who was accompanying him, “… durn your hide, you didn’t tell me.”
Standing with the aid of a cane, he talked about his early years on the farm and raising calves.
He praised the Rowan Fair Association for its commitment to carrying out a fair. This year the fair will be held Sept. 18-23. The fair catalog is scheduled for publication in Monday’s edition of the Post.
“Continue the good work,” said Graham.
Around 100 fair association members and supporters attended the dinner at the Rowan Agricultural Center.
Among the crowd was Sheriff George Wilhelm and Chief Deputy Steve Schenk and Rowan County commissioners Frank
Tadlock, Arnold Chamberlain and Chairman Newton Cohen.
Also on hand were State Reps. Charlotte Gardner and Eugene McCombs.
Graham got a good laugh at his own flub ofMcCombs’ name.
Graham thanked Gardner and “Rep. McKinney” for their support of agriculture.
McCombs quickly intoned, “McCombs.”
After the laughter subsided, Graham repeated “McKinney.”
After retirement
When he retires, Graham will donate his papers to the history collection at N.C. State University in Raleigh. The university is collecting them now and planning an event when the collection is complete, according to Kevin Cherry.
Cherry, former head of the history room at the Rowan Public Library, is now with the state library in Raleigh serving as a consultant for local history collections.
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