Jimmie Oliver Gray

Jimmie Oliver Gray died March 8, 2025. He was 95 years old. Born on June 14, 1929 in Merced, California he grew up during the depression and World War 2. He attended high school in Bishop, California where he met Betty Rose Thurlow, the love of his life. Jim and Betty married shortly after graduating from high school and remained happily married for 73 years until Betty's death at age 92 on July 8, 2021. Jim began working for the California Highway Department (now called Caltrans) in 1947 as an Under Engineering Aid. He worked in Bishop for nine years working his way up to Assistant Highway Engineer. He obtained a transfer to Caltrans District 11 in San Diego where he could attend night school while working. He worked days and went to school and studied at night for six years until he was ready to take the licensing exam to be a licensed civil engineer. He passed the test on the first try which not everyone does. Eventually he became one of five Deputy Directors of District 11. Jim retired from Caltrans after 40 years. During this period, Jim and Betty lived in Escondido, California where they raised their three sons. After retirement Jim and Betty moved to Hemet, California where they bought a home with a large yard. Jim remained active through retirement making improvements to the house, raising a large vegetable garden, building a deck and gazebo, and doing fine word working. He built and finished various pieces of furniture as well as toys for his grandchildren. Following Betty's passing Jim moved into the Brookdale Senior Living facility where he lived independently until his health began to fail. He is survived by his three sons: Terry, Sam and Roy; his 8 grandchildren; and his 7 great grandchildren.

A graveside service for Jimmie will be held Friday, March 21, 2025 from 10:00 AM at San Jacinto Valley Cemetery, 2555 S Santa Fe Ave, San Jacinto, CA 92583.