James "Jimmie" Franklin Gray Jr.

“Jim” or “Jimmie”

Survivor - Hero - Friend to all - Loved

James, age 76, was born September 27, 1945 in Providence, KY to his parents, James and Marcella Gray and passed away Monday, September 5, 2022 at St Luke’s South Rehabilitation Institute following a fall injury and heart complications.

He was a survivor from the beginning. He was born prematurely at home and was placed near a wood stove for warmth to survive.

His parents later moved to St Louis, MO where they raised their family of 4 girls and 2 boys. He was the firstborn sibling.

He was raised in a Christ-centered home filled with music (both singing and instrumental), a happy family focused on loving Christ and loving others. The family was regular attendees at the Church of God (Holiness) in St Charles, MO.

Jimmie attended school in the St Louis area and graduated from high school from Mt Zion Bible School in Ava, MO.

After high school, he was married and became a father to his children, Janice and Jamie.

He worked at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in St Louis, MO until his draft number was drawn. He was trained as a combat medic in Vietnam in the 101st Airborne Division. He jumped out of helicopters to assist the wounded in battle. In one instance, he carried a wounded soldier to the helicopter, secured him and went back to his troops not knowing he was also hit in his right side with a life-threatening injury. Our hero survived and made it back home and was awarded one of America’s highest honors, a Purple Heart.

Jimmie was a dedicated, hard worker. He worked at Woolco (a company founded by FW Woolworth) opening multiple stores in both Kansas and Oklahoma.

The last 30 years until his retirement in 2008, he worked at Shade Foods (a chocolate company) in Gardner, KS in maintenance, inventory and production.

Jimmie was especially close to his little brother, Richard who preceded him in death in 2021. He loved helping him in his automobile mechanic shop and had hilarious phone conversations together every morning.

During retirement, Jimmie aspired to learn the piano and organ. He purchased an organ and enjoyed his group lessons at Schmitt Music.

Jimmie also enjoyed working in his yard, flower beds and gardening, putting jigsaw puzzles together, hot wheel collecting, wood working and traveling.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia of Lee’s Summit, MO and stepsons, Jeff & Steve (Wanda) Tyner. His stepson, Matt Tyner, a police officer who died in the line of duty preceded him in death.

He was a loving, dedicated husband to his wife “Pat” for 32 years. They enjoyed many years of traveling in their recreational vehicles with a travel club.

He enjoyed spending holidays with his wife and stepsons, playing cards, watching deer in his back yard and visiting with his friends, great neighbors and his extended family.

Jimmie especially loved his furry family members: Shadow, Bella and Mickey and other pets. The pets gave him much comfort during his declining health.

Jimmie is survived by his 4 sisters: Carolyn (late Vic) Wade of Olathe, KS, Deloris (late John) Vukich of St Charles, MO, Beverly (Eddie) Quandt of Winder, GA, Lillie Graham of Cleveland, MO; sister-in-law, Darlene (late Richard) Gray of Independence, MO; Nephews: Brad (Angeline) Burks, Lance (Stephanie) Wade; nephew, James Vukich (preceded in death); Nieces: Jennifer (Adam), Lauren (Freddie), Lindsey (Jason); Great nephews: Micah, Benjamin, and Brayden; Great nieces: Victoria(Derick), Morgan, Isla, Evie, Jazlynn and Mya; and a host of friends, neighbors and extended family.

Well done, good and faithful servant …enter thou into the joy of the Lord.

See you in the morning, Jimmie!