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I have found the burial of James Graves of Gold Street on October 4 1855 aged 42 years in the Burial register for 1853-1878 of St. James The Great, Hanslope (No 104). This fits in very well with my James Graves/Greaves who was baptised in Hartwell (as James Clark) in 1814. I have him in censuses for 1841 and 1851 with wife Susanna (Herbert). In the 1861 census Susanna is listed as a widow which also fits well with an 1855 death.

At the marriages of 5 of his children in Hanslope, James Graves has been recorded as the father of the bride or groom.
17 October 1858 Joseph Frost to Mary Graves : father James Graves, Labourer
15 February 1863 Thomas Graves to Mary Lane : Thomas' father James Graves, Hawker
25 May 1863 Joseph Graves to Jane Foster : father James Graves, Hawker
22 November 1863 William Frost to Martha Graves : father James Graves, Hawker
May 14 1891 marriage of Robert Clarke & Fanny Thomas :father of Robert being James Graves, Hawker

My question is, was it usual for the father to be listed with his occupation even though he was deceased - or have I got this all wrong?

All birth certificates (full) and marriage certificates that I have read state the fathers occupation/trade deceased or not. I think this item dates back quite a way into the 19th century.
One of my school chums in the late 40's, at Hanslope Primary (next to Green Lane and opposite Stocking Green Farm) was a Greaves, maybe a desendant of your search target? His name was Arthur Greaves.

Thanks for the explanation re certificates.
I think your school friend Arthur may be in the family. The 2 Arthurs I have so far were born 1872 and 1900 - very unlikely candidates for school in 1940s. I correspond with a 2nd cousin in UK and plan to expand the details of later generations when I can. I'll be looking for Arthur.