Since 1926, James Lumber has maintained a sense of community and a sense of family. It’s still true today at the Ortonville and Oxford locations after eight years in these communities.
Doug Graham Jr. is part of the fourth generation of the James family that founded the business in Flint. Over the years, the family has grown and evolved with the times, surviving war, depression, recession and a changing local economic scene.
In the midst of such challenges, the firm has chosen to expand their local stores, and they’re planning more for the future. An outdoor garden center is planned in Ortonville, to feature seasonal items, and both locations are in for additional remodeling of their showrooms.
The Oxford location is due for exterior improvement to match the appearance of the Ortonville store, and will soon introduce a new paint department featuring the Do-It-Best line of paint, which Graham said is produced by the largest paint manufacturer in the world.
The Ortonville location is a state of the art lumber and hardware store, featuring expanded kitchen cabinet and moulding displays, outdoor accessories and grills, and even bicycles among the traditional offerings.
Graham admits there are challenges to be overcome, including intense competition from large national companies, labor shortages, depressed lumber prices ‘and sometimes our own shortcomings.?
James Lumber is able to thrive and survive because of a major difference from the competition.
‘Our people, of course,? said Graham.
The sales team receives eight hours of product and process training each week, December through March.
‘That’s 13 times the amount someone at a national chain gets,? Graham said, ‘plus, our staff is friendly and courteous. We have low turnover, so customers forge relationships with us.?
Those relationships help customers, whether they are do-it-yourselfers, home builders or remodelers, with fast and economical completion of their projects.
It’s a win-win situation for everyone, Graham said. Because of the tight-knit nature of Oxford and Ortonville and the surrounding areas, local folks buy local.
‘And we are definitely local,? he said. ‘It works for our business, because we try to earn customer loyalty through a higher level of service. It’s another way to give back to your community.?
The rest of the ownership team includes Tom James, Doug Graham Sr., Jared James and Robert Graham.
James Lumber’s Ortonville location is at 700 Ortonville Road (M-15). Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. (Winter hours vary.) Telephone is (248) 627-3600.
James Lumber’s Oxford location is at 73 E. Burdick St. in downtown Oxford. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Telephone is (248) 628-2541. Web site is www.jameslumber.com

Since 1926, James Lumber has maintained a sense of community and a sense of family. It’s still true today at the Ortonville and Oxford locations after eight years in these communities.
Doug Graham Jr. is part of the fourth generation of the James family that founded the business in Flint. Over the years, the family has grown and evolved with the times, surviving war, depression, recession and a changing local economic scene.
In the midst of such challenges, the firm has chosen to expand their local stores, and they’re planning more for the future. An outdoor garden center is planned in Ortonville, to feature seasonal items, and both locations are in for additional remodeling of their showrooms.
The Oxford location is due for exterior improvement to match the appearance of the Ortonville store, and will soon introduce a new paint department featuring the Do-It-Best line of paint, which Graham said is produced by the largest paint manufacturer in the world.
The Ortonville location is a state of the art lumber and hardware store, featuring expanded kitchen cabinet and moulding displays, outdoor accessories and grills, and even bicycles among the traditional offerings.
Graham admits there are challenges to be overcome, including intense competition from large national companies, labor shortages, depressed lumber prices “and sometimes our own shortcomings.”
James Lumber is able to thrive and survive because of a major difference from the competition.
“Our people, of course,” said Graham.
The sales team receives eight hours of product and process training each week, December through March.
“That’s 13 times the amount someone at a national chain gets,” Graham said, “plus, our staff is friendly and courteous. We have low turnover, so customers forge relationships with us.”
Those relationships help customers, whether they are do-it-yourselfers, home builders or remodelers, with fast and economical completion of their projects.
It’s a win-win situation for everyone, Graham said. Because of the tight-knit nature of Oxford and Ortonville and the surrounding areas, local folks buy local.
“And we are definitely local,” he said. “It works for our business, because we try to earn customer loyalty through a higher level of service. It’s another way to give back to your community.”
The rest of the ownership team includes Tom James, Doug Graham Sr., Jared James and Robert Graham.
James Lumber’s Ortonville location is at 700 Ortonville Road (M-15). Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. (Winter hours vary.) Telephone is (248) 627-3600.
James Lumber’s Oxford location is at 73 E. Burdick St. in downtown Oxford. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Telephone is (248) 628-2541. Web site is www.jameslumber.com