John David Graham
Our Founder
John was born on June 23rd, in McKeesport Pennsylvania in 1948, as the middle son of three boys. After high school graduation he moved to Wilmore, Kentucky to attend Asbury College where he graduated in 1971 with a degree in theology. Traveling in his van around the country after graduation, he searched to find a place and people where he could fit in, until he met his wife, and “only friend” Kathleen in 1976.
Throughout his life, John pursued many paths: owning a tile construction business in San Antonio, Texas; pastoring churches in Ohio, working as a journalist for the Piqua Daily, earning a master’s degree from Earlham College in Richmond Indiana; and founding Good Samaritan Home, based in Greenville OH, which expanded to Dayton Ohio in 2011. GSH is a nonprofit organization that gives thousands of men and women the opportunity to rebuild their lives after prison. While establishing the GSH, John earned his PHD from Northern Seminary in Chicago Il.
His greatest accomplishment came in 2023 when, after ten years of dedication, he published his novel “Running as Fast as I Can”, sharing his personal story of trauma, hope, and healing. Which has since won 49 literary awards.
In the last few years of John’s life he dedicated his time and energy to remind people about the human spirit — the spirit of compassion, kindness, and the responsibility we all share to speak up and take action. He believed that there comes a time for each of us when we must take a position, not based on what is safe, political, or popular, but based on what our conscience tells us is the right thing to do.
His life was a testament to faith in action. John believed that “life was written in pencil” and that everyone deserves a second chance — even a third. He dedicated his life to helping the broken, the forgotten, and those who had no hope or voice. This was demonstrated not by his words, but his deeds. His life was lived through action — serving, loving, and walking the streets, where most people would not dare to go. His compassion and commitment to giving hope to the hopeless left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
WATCH MORE ABOUT OUR LEGACY
Dr. John Graham with his wife and co-founder, Kathy Graham. They were married for 50 years and had 3 children together and 7 grandchildren.
Dr. John Graham rebuilding a house one at a time, the same way he helped to rebuild lives.
Brian Gilvin, Executive Director, with Dr. John Graham, founder of Good Samaratin Home
This is a proud day for graduates of Montgomery County Re-Entry Program.
Program graduates are four times less likely to reoffend than the statewide average, with a recidivism rate of just 10% compared to Ohio's 40%.
A proud day for our graduate! Scott noted that this diploma was the first academic credential he had ever received.
Dr. John Graham and wife Kathy Graham working with employees of GSH.
Kathy Graham, Dr. John Graham's wife and co- founder, with residence.
Kathy Graham, co- founder and Mike, who was once a resident and is now an employee of GSH.
Dr. John Graham and his family. Nothing was more important to Dr. Graham than his family. Love leaves a legacy.
“Like anybody, I want to live a long life, but if I don’t, I can die satisfied that I have made a difference. I have lived my faith in my home and in the streets, where it matters most. Like Dr. King said, “I have been to the mountain top, I have seen the other side and I am not worried about anything now.”
JOHN DAVID GRAHAM
Running As Fast As I Can
Growing up in the mill slums surrounding Pittsburgh, all that Daniel Robinson ever wanted was a family who loved him. Instead, he was ignored by a mother who hid in her room praying to an unseen God, and a drunk for a father who used everyone as a punching bag.
Daniel’s story, with its harrowing social themes, conveyed through an intense personal odyssey, bridges the gap between literary and commercial fiction. It would be enjoyed by readers who were moved by the heartbreaking, yet hopeful narratives of Forrest Gump and Where the Crawdads Sing. RUNNING AS FAST AS I CAN vividly portrays a traumatic period in our history, while grappling with intense emotional and social issues we still face today.
It is an epic journey for love and forgiveness. Most importantly, it is a page-turner story that readers will identify with because it is, on some level, everyone’s story.
