James “Jim” Russell Gray

james-gray

James “Jim” Russell Gray, 77, lifelong resident of Marion, went to be with the Lord at 12:15 a.m. on Sunday, October 23, 2016. He was born in Marion to the late Jesse LaVaughn and Anna L. (Foudray) Gray. He married Kathy A. Mason on December 22, 1961, and she survives.

Jim was a U.S. Navy veteran from 1957-1960 and served as a bomb spotter in Whidbey Island, Washington. He also served another stint from 1975-1978. He was stationed on the USS Waddell and had earned a battle E Ribbon. Following his military service, Jim worked as a carpenter for the VA Healthcare Center in Marion, as well as several years at G & C Construction and Hankins Container. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and a member/trustee at Temple Congregational.

Jim was an artist and enjoyed oil painting. He also enjoyed model trains, fishing, and building street rods. Most recently, Jim enjoyed flipping houses and was a diligent homebuilder and repairman throughout his entire life.

He will be missed by his wife, Kathy, of 54 years; children, Amy J. Kelley, Marion, and Leigh Ann (Todd) Miller, Garrett; grandchildren, Gayle J. Miller, Fort Wayne, Christian A. Miller, Harrisonburg, Virginia, Amanda J. Kelley, West Lafayette, and Shawn R. Kelley, Angola; siblings, Jesse “Bud” (Donna) Gray; brother-in-law, Larry (late Coleen) McFarland; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; his dog, Rosie; and his friends from Kyle’s Paint Store, with whom he had coffee every day.

Preceding him in death were his parents, as well as siblings, Lionel Gray, Dorothy Kahler, Bonnie Boots, and Coleen McFarland.

Visitation is from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion.

Services for Jim will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2016, at Temple Congregational Church, 1006 N. Western Ave., Marion, with Elder Tom Nukes and Pastor Jill Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Marion National Cemetery.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Cancer Services of Grant County, Tower Suites, 305 S. Norton Ave., Marion, IN.

Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.

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