James E Gray

James enjoyed watching Marvel movies. He was watching Ironman when he decided to call himself "Irondad" because of all of the mechanical parts inside of him; including the defibrillator, LVAD, and the knee replacement. As he called himself "Irondad," he would always flex his muscles, stating "I am untouchable."

James served his career as a mechanic. He enjoyed watching wrestling, drawing, writing poems, remodeling his home and woodworking. He loved to mow the lawn, work on cars with his son, Austin, and watch his son, Blake, in the marching band, hollering "Yo Blake!!!" He spent his downtime antique shopping with his wife, Carla. One of his favorite things to do was spend time with his animals.

James was a jokester, he was always making people laugh. He also had no problem stating what was on his mind, no matter who was around. He always put his family first. No matter how sick he was, or his mood, he would always take care of his family (even though he loved to embarrass them.)

For his family, James fought endlessly against a world that seemingly fought against him; putting laughs before struggle, love before money, and hardwork in the stead of defeat. "Giving up" was never in his vocabulary. He only ever knew ethic in spite of a circumstance that many would fall to. James only ever fell to a knee, never on his face, and currently stands strong with God behind the gates of Heaven where he waits for his family. So that, one day, he may show his family how laughing feels when they are at peace together.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Geraldine and Delbert Gray.

James is survived by his wife, Carla Gray; sons, Blake and Austin Gray; granddaughter, Lorelai Meeks; sister and brother-in-law, Nena and Mike Maharney.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.alexanderwestchapel.com for the Gray family.