Jim was born on March 3, 1948 in Springfield, the son of James William and Dorothy Marie Rutherford Gray. His mother later married Owen Tate and then Fred Coton, whom Jim thought of as his father. Jim married Susan (Shenk) Kimmel on February 22, 2002 in Springfield.
Jim was a 1966 graduate of Lanphier High School. He attended some technical school and was a mainframe IT specialist for Horace Mann. Jim enjoyed detective shows and action shows.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Gray of Springfield; one daughter, Jennifer Gray-Tansky of Springfield; one stepson, Christopher (wife, Laura) Kimmel of Peotone, IL; seven grandchildren, Jude and Lennon Kimmel, Alexander, Erick, and Amy Tansky, Michael Ryan, and Katelynn Lynch; one brother, Charles Gray; one nephew, William Gray; and a few cousins.
Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
Private family ceremonies will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home—Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.
