James Gray, 86, of Wooster passed away on Dec. 31, 2021, at Danbury Senior Living in Wooster.
He was born Oct. 28, 1935, the son of Fred and Goldie Lowther Gray, in Ronco, Pa.
Jim graduated from Carmichaels High School in Pennsylvania, where during his senior year he played on the WPIAL Class “B” Championship football team. He went on to attend Waynesburg University. Jim had owned his own construction business, Jim Gray Construction, for many years. He was a long-time dedicated member of the Sullivan, Ohio, Masonic Lodge, and served most recently as Past District Deputy Grand Master. He loved sports and the outdoors and enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing, along with living on his small farm in Knox County. In his later years, he enjoyed reading novels and watching old westerns.
Surviving is his son Matthew (Christy) Gray of Wooster; step-children Paul (Lisa) Swartz of Wooster, Jen (Chris) Frasure of Centerburg and Cortney (Larry) Fairbanks of Columbus; grandchildren Carsyn, Maxwell and Myles Gray; brothers Roy (Ginny) Gray and Jeff (Vickie) Gray; and many nieces and nephews, as well as Annie’s grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his significant other ,Anna Powell, in 2014; siblings Richard Gray, Sr., Fred Gray, Neil Gray, Allonia Kormanik and Dodie Fartelly.
Friends will be received one hour prior to a 4 p.m. funeral service to be held on Friday, Jan. 7, at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster, with Pastor Paul Thoms officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
