James Randall Gross

Arrangements are pending at the Runge Mortuary and Crematory, Davenport, IA. Family will meet for a memorial service at 10:30am Thursday, June 25, 2026, at St. James Lutheran Church Bettendorf, IA and then process to the National Cemetery Rock Island, IL for committal. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at a later date. Memorials may go to the family or to the Animal Aid Humane Society No-Kill Shelter, 239 50th St, Moline, IL 61265.

Jim was born to William and Mary (Watkins) on May 30, 1956. He graduated from Marycrest College, Davenport, IA with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. While in college, he won several awards for his short stories. Prior to college, he proudly served four years in the US Navy. He often stated it was one of the best times of his life. Stationed on the USS Manitowoc, he traveled throughout the Atlantic visiting many European countries.

He was united in marriage to Linda (Hancock) Gross in 1984. They divorced in 2004 but remained friends throughout his life.

Writing was his passion. He was always working on a story. But his passion for sports was even stronger. This lead him to work as a freelance sports reporter for both the Quad City Times and Daily Dispatch. However, chronic disease started to take over his life. The next 45 years he would fight to survive. In 1999, he received a transplanted pancreas at the Madison, WI University Hospitals. This was followed years later in 2016 by a kidney transplant at the University Hospitals in Iowa City. Life as a double transplant patient was very difficult. But he managed to navigate this life until a fall in 2025, followed by a serious infection in 2026 that ended his courageous journey.

The great love for his two little granddaughters kept him going. And his feline companion, Shemp, stayed by his side for almost 20 years. Jim always loved a party, he loved giving folks “the business”, and he loved his video games.

Jim is survived by his children, Kelsey (Andy) Vandercoy, Davenport, IA; Keara (Cameron) Puetz, Bettendorf, IA, and Kiley Gross (Scott Carroll), Bettendorf, IA; his ex-wife and good friend, Linda; grandchildren Gemma Puetz and Daisy Carroll; brother, Jeff (Vicki) Gross, and sisters Cathy (Doug) Taylor; Candy Skiles and Jill Patterson; niece Lindsey Moss; nephews, Jamie, Terry and Tim Green. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and grandparents.

A special thank-you to Ashley Atilano, his visiting nurse who took such good care of him. Also, a special shout-out to Brandi Walker and his care team at the Iowa City VA hospital and to his transplant coordinator, Stacy, who worked with him for many years. He spent many hours visiting the VA hospital and loved sharing war stories with his veteran buddies. He was so proud to be a Veteran!