James "Jim" Lloyd Grayson

James “Jim” Lloyd Grayson, born December 13th, 1966, passed away on August 27th, 2025, at his home in Collierville, TN. He was born in Maryville, TN to his loving parents Kermit Wayne Grayson and Imogene Grayson, joining his older brother Steve Grayson.

James had a lifelong passion for aviation, travel, Mustangs, strategy games, good wine, and good company, but that was secondary to his love and devotion to his wife, Kelly. They married in 1988 and spent 37 years building their beautiful life together traveling, gardening, cooking, growing, and learning through life together. No one could replicate the path and career of James and all his achievements, but he would tell you easily the most important thing he and Kelly accomplished was bringing their two daughters, Amelia and Abigail, into the world. His family was his highest priority, his greatest pride, and his sanctuary of comfort.

Following his love of flight, he enrolled into the Federal Aviation Administration Academy in 1987. He graduated top of his class and was quickly promoted to an En Route Air Traffic Control Specialist at Memphis Center (ZME). He worked as a Training Instructor, Automation Specialist, Traffic Management Coordinator, Front Line Manager, and ERAM Implementation Manager at Memphis ARTCC, and led the IdeaHub Initiative and Leading Edge Forum in Washington DC, retiring in 2013 after 26 years. He could always be found looking up to the sky for airplanes, enjoying airports across the nation, or soaking in the thrill of the Reno Air Races.

James had an unquenchable curiosity and thirst for knowledge. He enjoyed trying to satisfy that persistent curiosity, whether it be through puzzling out how everything works, thoughtfully improving any system, optimizing packing a trailer, or his greatest challenge, understanding how others thought, felt, and why. Later in life he taught classes all around the country, teaching others in the corporate world how to effectively communicate and work as both individuals and a team to accomplish their goals. This culminated in his latest achievement, “The Four Forces of Life,” a teaching series and book helping spread his wealth of wisdom. Through his work, he strived to elevate others to their maximum potential and be their best.

He supported his daughters in everything they loved, be it coaching their softball teams or attending every theater performance. He learned to love these activities as his daughters did and could be found attending a play or watching the Women’s College Softball World Series even after they moved out. He proudly supported his wife becoming a Master Gardener, building, digging, mulching, and doing anything else she needed. In no small part due to his love, their home was featured in the 2024 Memphis “Through Our Garden Gates” tour. James deeply loved their dog Piper and could be found taking her on long walks, visiting the farmer’s market, and training together. He loved nothing more than sharing time and experiences with his family. Their interests were his interests, their successes were his successes, and his empathy and generosity cannot possibly be replicated in a world that needs more people like James.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Imogene Grayson. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Kelly Grayson, his daughters, Amelia Grayson (Joe Rossi) and Abigail Grayson, and his brother, Steve Grayson.

A celebration of James’ life will occur on September 12th, 2025 at Memphis Funeral Home at 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38119. The family will receive guests from 1:00 – 2:00 pm and the celebration of life will begin at 2:00 pm. Please wear your favorite shade of blue in honor of James. The family will also receive friends and family at their home on Saturday, September 13th from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. The family welcomes all to come share their memories, tears, and hugs.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to James’ favorite organization in his honor, the National Championship Air Races.