John Robert Graff

John Robert Graff (87) Of Annandale, VA passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023. Loving husband to Kay Arlene Graff; father to Christopher Graff and Andrea Cheseldine; brother to Bette Gerberding, Paul Graff, and the late Ruth Graff, Jayne Lien, and Judy Folkestad; grandfather to Ian Graff and Carter Graff. He will truly be missed by many. John was born to Ardean and Barbara Graff in Madison, South Dakota on March 14, 1936. He grew up and attended elementary and high school in Clark, South Dakota. He received his BA degree in Government and History at the University of South Dakota. He then attended Indiana University where he received his MA in International Relations. He later received his Juris Doctorate degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. His first job after receiving his MA was back in South Dakota where he worked for the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce. Then, at age 26, he moved to Pierre to become the Executive Director of the Republican State Central Committee. He then had a very brief detour in the academia world and became assistant to the Dean at Northern University in Aberdeen South Dakota. Early in 1968, Senator Karl Mundt called John to tell him that he wanted John to move to Washington D.C. The decision to move to Washington, D.C., was significant because by this time John had met and married Kay and son, Christopher, had been added to the family. The family ultimately decided to make the journey to Washington, D.C., and John started his new career as counsel on the Senate Committee of Government Relations. He worked all day on Capitol Hill and attended law school at Catholic University at night. During this time daughter, Andrea, also joined the family. As Senator Mundt’s term of office ran out in 1974, it was time once again to reassess careers. The Marriott Corporation hired John to manage their contracts in their New Parks division, which kicked off a long and illustrious career in the park industry. In 1980, a mentor of John asked him if he would be interested in a Director of Government Relations position with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), as the association would be opening an office in DC. John took the position and became the Director of Government Relations and Legal Counsel to IAAPA in the summer of 1980. He later became the Executive Director of IAAPA in 1984. According to IAAPA, no single individual has had as much influence in the development of the industry’s leading trade association as John. By transcending the barriers of language and culture to expand the influence of the group worldwide, he changed the global landscape of the industry. During his 20-year tenure with IAAPA, John visited more than 400 parks in 60 different countries. John’s tenure with the IAAPA was a blessing for the Graff family by expanding their horizons in so many ways and developing many wonderful friendships around the world. In Dec. of 2001 John retired from the association but continued to volunteer in Give Kids the World activities, Peace through Tourism Assoc, Prison Ministry and many church activities at St. Marks Lutheran Church. On December 28th, 2023, John died peacefully. Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 2:00PM, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 5800 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22150. Memorial contributions may be made to Give Kids the World, Kissimmee Florida, St. Marks Lutheran Church-Springfield, VA, Parkinsons Foundation.

Tributes

John Robert Graff

March 14, 1936 - December 28, 2023