James R. "Jim" Gross

James R. "Jim" Gross, 80, of Pottsville, died Tuesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street.

He was born June 30, 1943, in Pottsville, a son of the late Herbert and Frances McCord Gross.

He was a 1961 graduate of Nativity BVM High School, a graduate of Bloomsburg University and later served on the Board of Trustees and was a graduate Marywood University.

He served four years in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Prior to retiring, Jim was a teacher for numerous schools in Schuylkill County.

Jim was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, the former Mary Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church, both of Pottsville; a PIAA official for baseball and basketball; and served as controller for the City of Pottsville.

Throughout Jim's life, he coached Little League and high school baseball all throughout the area and was a big supporter of Nativity and Pottsville sporting events. He was also a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan and a daily staple with his group of friends at the Mauch Chunk/Route 61 Dunkin Donuts, Pottsville.

He was preceded in death by a brother, SP4 Vincent Lee Gross, M.P.; a sister, Rosemary "Rosie" Hostetter; and a brother-in-law, Edward Nevadomsky.

Surviving are two sisters, Karen Measel, Port Carbon, and Diane Nevadomsky, Pottsville; nieces and nephews; a brother-in-law, Robert Hostetter, Pottsville; and two close friends, Mike and Frank Peron.

Service of Remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 14, at James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville, with the Rev. Barnabas Shayo officiating. Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of services. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Jim be made to St. Patrick Pottsville Area Soup Kitchen, C/O 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901. Please share your memories and condolences with Jim's family by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com.