Hiram "Jay" Gregory

Hiram Joseph "Jay" Gregory 1925 ~ 2012 Hiram Joseph "Jay" Gregory, 87, of Boise passed away April 12, 2012. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday April 19, 2012 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, Boise. Services are under the direction of Cloverdale Funeral Home. Jay was born February 21, 1925 to Hiram Joseph Gregory, Sr. and Lydia Tynthea Pearl (Miles) Gregory in Ash Grove, Missouri. At a young age, Jay and his family moved from Missouri to Arkansas. In approximately 1935, his parents and their 12 children moved to Idaho where they purchased farm property on the Boise Bench. Jay attended school in Boise, and later worked on the railroad in Cle Elum, Washington. While in Cle Elum he received his draft notice from the Army. His military service began in Aug 1943. While in the Army, he traveled to New Guinea, Australia and the Philippines. He fondly remembered the beautiful and treacherous white coral reefs in New Guinea. He also had a happy memory of managing a baseball team while in the Philippines. After his honorable discharge in Feb. 1946, Jay worked for Quinn-Robbins Construction Co., Morrison-Knudsen Construction, and Tel & Telephone Co. In 1948, Jay married June Elizabeth Johnson. Prior to their divorce, Jay and June had two children: Ann of Boise and Dan of Bellingham, Washington. In 1951, Jay joined the Air National Guard and was assigned to the 190th Fighter Bomber Squadron. He retired in 1980 as a Master Sergeant. Golfing, hunting and fishing were his hobbies throughout his life. As his health declined, Jay enjoyed walking his best canine friend, Simon, along the Boise Greenbelt. Jay was preceded in death by his parents and 10 of his siblings. He is survived by his sister, Dorine Woodley of Boise; his two children, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. A special thank you to the Promise of Hope Hospice and Hillcrest Retirement Center. To share memories with the family please visit Jay's memorial webpage online at www.CloverdaleFuneralHome.com.