James William Gray

James Gray Obituary

James William Gray

April 7, 1936 ~ January 10, 2013

James William Gray ("JW", "Papa Gray"), age 76, passed away peacefully at his home on Bainbridge Island, Washington on January 10, 2013. James was born to the late James Daniel and Dorothy (Morgan) Gray in Yakima, WA on April 7, 1936. He married Patricia Jean Holderby on August 16, 1958. They moved from Yakima to Seattle, WA in 1966 where they raised their 6 children while James worked in the securities and insurance industry. In 1996 they moved to Bainbridge Island where James enjoyed gardening and was an active parishioner at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church. He dearly loved his wife and family. He could always be counted on to be the life of the party at gatherings where he would joyfully sing, dance, and entertain, as well as voice his various points of view quite exuberantly. James was full of energy, compassion, and love of family. He enjoyed camping and the ocean, especially visits to the Oregon coast with his wife Patricia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gary Gray. He is survived by his wife: Patricia Gray, Bainbridge Island, WA; children: Theresa Burrus (Kevin), Steven Gray, Kathleen Gray (Greg Powers) Seattle, WA; Jennifer Spreen (Shaughn) Kent, WA; James Patrick Gray (Stacy) San Diego, CA; and Daniel Gray (Joanne) Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren: Morgan Combe (Matthew), Christopher Burrus, James Michael Hoxsey (Amanda Schwab), Malorie Spreen, Jessica Burrus, Madeline Hoxsey-Todd (A.J.), Patrick Spreen, Bradley Gray, Lucy Gray, Jared Gray, Ian Gray, James Dylan Gray, Olivia Scarlett Gray; and great-grandson: Cavin Hoxsey.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Memorial Mass on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 10:00 AM at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church on Bainbridge Island, WA. A reception will follow at the church hall. Memorial contributions can be made to Saint Jude's or the Helpline House of Bainbridge Island. Please sign the online Guest Book for the family at: www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Jan. 14 to Jan. 15, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for James Gray

4 Entries

Josie Leahy-Brooks

January 18, 2013

Dear Gray Family, You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Your Dad was ALWAYS smiling!! I remember all the days we Leahy girls would come over and enjoy the little playhouse in the backyard. Always so welcoming. I am unable to attend the service on Saturday but my heart will be with you. Peace to your hearts. Love, Josie (Leahy) Brooks

Gina Gianelli

January 18, 2013

Seattle lost another grand patriarch.

I'll always remember James (Mr. Gray) for his never-ending warmth, caring, smile, generosity and humor. His family didn't stop with his own children: he (and Pat) "adopted" their children's friends.

I remember him being the eternal chauffeur, cheerfully being roused from sleep to pick us up from movies at midnight..in his pajamas, or driving us early in the morning - again, in his pajamas, always smiling, joking.

Thank you, Mr. (and Mrs.) Gray, for so generously and lovingly caring for my baby while I attended night school. I'd arrive at your home at 11pm on a work night, greeted with laughter and then - genuine concern. You'd walk my baby and me to the car, again - in your pajamas on frosty nights.

I love your family, and will never forget you and my angels in skin. To the Gray family: You now have your very own angel - he will ALWAYS be there, listening, loving and caring for each of you.

(And Theresa, you were the most wonderful friend in the world - your parents love, caring, and generosity was duplicated by you.)

January 17, 2013

We were Neighbors on Capitol Hill, our kids were friends. We shared some Camping weekends and many other mutual interests of Jim and Pat before they moved to the Island. Fond Memories. Pat, we are sorry for your Loss. Earl and Alice Spangler

Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

January 16, 2013

Dear Patricia, Theresa, Kathleen, Jennifer and Family,
With sympathy and friendship, we Sisters lovingly support you in prayer at this time when James' life has changed from mortal to eternal. May his new life in God's presence bring great comfort to you all and may you know his nearness often.