Mayor's Bio

Mayor James Patrick Graven was re-elected to office on November 2, 2021 and will begin his new term on January 1, 2022 . Jim grew up in North Olmsted and spent his high school summers working in Olmsted Falls as a trash collector to earn money for college. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1980.

Jim attended Bowling Green State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1984. He served as a firefighter in the City of Toledo beginning in 1985, and also attended The University of Toledo School of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate in 1989. He was both a firefighter and attorney from 1990-2015. He has long been civic-minded, holding several positions on municipal and professional boards and commissions. Jim is an active member of Police and Fire Retirees of Ohio, West Shore Bar Association, West Side Irish-American Club, Knights of Columbus and Olmsted Falls Historical Society.

His law practice concentrated in the areas of securities arbitration and investment law. He is also a third-generation firefighter, who retired with the rank of Lieutenant in 2015. Both his father and grandfather were firefighters with the City of Cleveland.

Jim and his wife, Teresa, have grown twin daughters, Samantha and Jessica, son-in-law Pete, grand-daughter Adeline, and West Highland Terrier Charlie. Jim and Teresa are also members of St. Mary of the Falls Church in Olmsted Falls.