James Joseph Gray

James Joseph Gray, son of the late Alva Joseph and Tina Mae (Drumright) Gray, was born on July 21, 1929 in Macomb, Missouri, and departed this life on January 15, 2008 in the St. John’s Regional Health Center in Springfield, Missouri, following a short illness. He was 78 years, 5 months, and 25 days of age.
James grew up in the Macomb Community and starting driving a truck at the age of seventeen. He eventually had his own trucking company as well as driving for others. He also earned his pilot’s license in 1967 and owned an airplane for several years and enjoyed flying whenever possible.
James was united in marriage to JoAnn Gallup on August 19, 1950 in Salem, Arkansas. Eight children were born to this union.
James was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping with his family and going to the lake. He also liked to collect guns, antique automobiles, and watch John Wayne movies.
Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by one son: James Michael Gray; one sister: Alpha Dean Holloman; a granddaughter: Cherish Hill; and by three nephews: Gary “Red” Gray, Mike Gray, and Kenny Gray.
He is survived by two sons: James Gray Jr. of Branson, Missouri, and Dennis Gray of Ava, Missouri; five daughters: Donna Driscoll of Springfield, Missouri, Pamela Gray of Mtn. Grove, Missouri, Debra Williams and her husband, Tommy, of Elk Creek, Missouri, Lisa Gray of Norwood, Missouri, and Karen Hill and her husband, Mark, of Norwood, Missouri; three brothers: Robert Gray and his wife, Fay, of Norwood, Missouri, Richard Gray of Macomb, Missouri, and Kenneth Gray and his wife, Betty, of Macomb, Missouri; thirteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him very much.
Funeral services for James Gray were held Saturday, January 19, 2008, 2:00 PM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel with rev. Jerry Orf officiating. Brad Brooks sang “Midnight Cry.” Other song selections were “Long Black Train,” and “The Highway Man.” Pallbearers were Andrew Driscoll, Shane Gray, Shawn Gray, Tanner Holmes, Billy Hill, Adam Hill, London Hill, and Joshua Gray. Burial was in the Macomb Cemetery under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove, Missouri.


Funeral Service:
Saturday, January 19, 2008, 2:00 PM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel.
Visitation:
1:00 - 2:00 PM Saturday, January 19, before the service in funeral home.
Burial:
Macomb Cemetery