James Gray

James Wesley Gray, 71, of Blue Springs, MO passed away Saturday, November 22, 2014. A visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 29th at First Assembly of God of Independence; 3711 S Whitney Ave, Independence, MO. A memorial service will follow at 10:00 a.m. at the church.
Jim was born August 16, 1943 in Lincoln, NE as one of two children to Melvin and Maxine (Taylor) Gray. He attended high school in northern Missouri. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1961-1964. On March, 5 1966 he married Margaret Elberta “Cricket” (Boxberger) and together they had two wonderful girls. Jim worked hard for 48 years in numerous positions at Lake City Army Ammunitions Plant before his retirement in April of 2012. He was a devoted Christian and a member of Central Assembly of Independence from 1971-1993 and from 1994-present is a member of First Assembly of God of Independence. He mentored many young boys and girls through the church’s children’s ministry and was a Senior Commander for the Royal Rangers Program. Jim also graduated from UMKC with Honors in 1991. He enjoyed wood working, and being outdoors hunting, fishing, or inducing the rain every time he camped. His family remembers him as good humored, good spirited, loving and passionate for children. He loved his grandchildren more than life and his impact on their life is something they will carry with them forever. Jim is loved and will be missed.
He leaves behind wife, Cricket of the home; daughters, Kimberly Faye Phillips (Byron); and Karen Elberta Gray all of Blue Springs, MO; grandchildren Zachary Don and Shaun Wesley Phillips, and Taylor Eileen and Mackenzie Elberta Echols; sister-in-law, Beth Martin (Harold); nieces Deana Monk (Jimmy), and Amanda Martin; great-nephew, Cliff Monk; and “honorary family,” Bob and Georgann Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Robert Lewis. The family encourages contributions to the church in his memory. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)