James Roan Gray

Principal Chief James Roan Gray was born in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, on June 11, 1961. He spent much of his youth in Arvada, Colorado, before returning to Pawhuska, where he attended and graduated from high school. He later graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where he served as president of his fraternity.

Jim was the former co-owner of the Native American Times, formerly the Oklahoma Indian Times. He served two consecutive terms as Principal Chief of the Osage Nation - one term under the former government and one following the government reform initiative he championed.

Under his leadership, the Osage Nation redesigned its government at a pivotal time, when the Nation faced the potential risk of termination after the last original allottee passed. Jim worked not only to avoid that fate, but to secure equal voting rights for every Osage citizen over the age of 18. Under the former system, only headright holders could vote - some with fractional votes, others with multiple votes. Through reform, each citizen gained an equal voice.

During his tenure, the Osage Nation achieved self-governance status and affirmed its sovereign right to determine its own citizenry. He led the creation of a tripartite system of governance, replacing the former tribal council structure imposed under the Indian Reorganization Act. He also championed the Nation's first 25-year strategic plan, built from direct feedback of the Osage citizenry - a model later chiefs would follow.

Never one to lead through fear or intimidation, Jim surrounded himself with subject matter experts whose knowledge strengthened the Nation and helped fulfill the mandates laid out by the Osage people. He also served on numerous boards throughout Indian Country, including the Native American Rights Fund, the Council of Energy Resource Tribes, and the Flower Hill Institute.

Jim loved his years serving the Osage Nation.

He was the seventh child of Andrew "Buddy" Gray and Margaret Luttrell Gray.

He came from a large family and built one of his own, with seven children and seven grandchildren. He especially cherished the joyful chaos of holidays when children and grandchildren filled the family home in Skiatook.

Jim was a mentor to many throughout Indian Country, freely sharing his experience and encouraging others to step into leadership. He believed in investing in people and was known for surrounding himself with strong minds and strong voices.

Those who knew him best will remember his booming, unmistakable laugh and his quick humor. He had a way of lightening even serious moments with one of his well-worn phrases - often describing complex challenges as "like herding cats."

While he was deeply proud of his public service, Jim's greatest joy was his family. He loved nothing more than a house full of children and grandchildren, the noise and chaos of holidays, and the comfort of having everyone home.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Andrew and Louis Gray; and his sisters, Mary BigHorse and Gina Gray.

He is survived by his wife, Olivia "Libbi" Gray, of the home; his sons, Henry Gray of Tulsa and James Gray of Norman; his daughters, Naomi Gray of Durango, Colorado; Annette "Nettie" Gray of the home; Mary Hammer of Skiatook, Sarah Ramirez-Hernandez of Tulsa, and Olivia "Oli" Ramirez of Skiatook, his granddaughters, Kenedi Hammer, Brynli Hammer, Bravery Hammer, Mina Hernandez, Isabel Hernandez, Honor Hammer, Victoria Hernandez; and a grandchild expected in September. He is also survived by his sisters, Jacqueline Butler and Margo Gray, along with many nieces and nephews.

Chief James r. Gray will lie in state at Wakon Iron Chapel, 181 Wakon Iron Blvd., Pawhuska, OK beginning friday evening. Sunday from 12-4:30 pm a special viewing will be held at the Osage Mineral Council Chambers, 813 Grandview, Pawhuska. Sunday night dinner to follow at the Wakon Iron Community Building with tribal leader speeches from 7-9pm. Osage Indian services will be Monday, February 16th beginning at 8:30 am with burial following at 11:30 am at the Osage National Cemetery, Highway 99 & County Road 2667, south of Pawhuska.