Obituary of Jeffrey P. Kraham

Jeffrey Paul Kraham, 66, of Hillcrest, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 4, 2016, following a two-year battle with cancer. Jeff was a beloved husband, dedicated father, cherished friend, and devoted public servant. He was known among his personal friends and professional colleagues alike for his intelligence, integrity, and wonderful sense of humor. Born April 25, 1949, Jeff grew up working the lunch counter of the Hillcrest Soda Spa, his father's diner and ice cream shop, absorbing the news and conversation of the day. In 1960, at age 11, Jeff made his first foray into politics at the "Citizens for Kennedy" headquarters in downtown Binghamton, after hearing John F. Kennedy's call for volunteers of all ages, "from eight to 80," to help with his presidential campaign. With this early interest in politics, it came as no surprise that soon after graduating Chenango Valley High School in 1967, Jeff went on to serve his community as a member of the Broome County Legislature, eventually becoming the youngest legislative chairman in New York state history at age 31. During this time, Jeff also earned his B.A. in business from Binghamton University. As a young man, Jeff served in the U.S. Army Reserves' medical supply division, where he organized the nation's first blood pressure screening clinic, making that now-ubiquitous, lifesaving health test available to the public for the first time in a setting outside a doctor's office. This was only the beginning for a man with big ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit. In 1980, Jeff partnered to start his first business selling bookcases and butcher block furniture. In 1983, newly married, Jeff and his wife turned a $3,000 investment into a successful retail enterprise with furniture stores throughout Upstate New York and Pennsylvania. In 1996, Jeff was elected Broome County Executive, ushering in an era of transformative leadership. His life as an elected official was marked by action, consensus building and progress. In governing, as in business, Jeff never felt constrained by the status quo. Instead, his vision statement was: "there are no obstacles, only opportunities." As County Executive, Jeff's flagship project was the construction of a state-of-the-art public library, which now bears his name, designed to educate and energize the community and ensure generations of residents had free access to the knowledge needed to prosper in life. Jeff served Broome County in this role until 2004, with the help of countless advisors and close friends. In 2005, Jeff was appointed as State and Counties Liaison by Governor George Pataki. In recent years, Jeff's love of travel inspired yet another new business — a travel agency. He made close connections with his clients, many of whom became personal friends as he helped plan their dream vacations. A lifelong Hillcrest resident, he continued to serve his community as an elected councilman for the Town of Fenton. Even more than Jeff's accomplishments in public service, he was most proud of his family. He demonstrated that outstanding character, kindness, compassion, optimism, and humor are the key ingredients for a life well-lived. He was predeceased by his father, Paul Kraham, mother, Cora (James) Kraham, and brother, Michael Kraham. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Wallis (Transue) Kraham, their two children, Merissa (Kraham) Vélez and Jared Kraham, and by his sister, Karen (Kraham) Roma. Jeff also leaves behind a large family of nieces and nephews, and brothers- and sisters-in-law. A Funeral Service and Celebration of Jeff's life will be held at St. Patrick's Church, corner of Oak and Leroy Streets, Binghamton Saturday at 1:30 p.m. A private burial will take place in Chenango Valley Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, Jeff's family suggests donations in his memory be sent to: Friends of the Broome County Library, 185 Court Street, Binghamton, NY 13901.