James Ellison Gray

Survived by his loving second wife Diane, for the past 13 years who was the joy, love and happiness of Jim’s later years. Also survived by daughters Kerry Gray, Mississauga, Lynn Burns (Keith), Kitchener, granddaughters Katie O’Dea (Brian) of Petawawa and Colleen O’Dea (Chris) and great grandson London James, Kitchener. Also survived by brother Martin of Bangor, Northern Ireland, niece Cherry O’Connor (John), Brampton, Heather Henderson (John) and nephew Robin, Northern Ireland, and Diane’s extended family. Predeceased by first wife Audrey (nee Dedels) in 1996, his parents Robert Gray and Anna Ellison and sister-in-law Helen.

Jim was born in Bangor, Northern Ireland on September 12, 1925 and immigrated to Waterloo as assistant City Engineer in 1948. Jim was Vice President of Voisin Developments Ltd. from 1955 to 1978. He was an Alderman in Kitchener for a number of years and Mayor for a short time in 1962. He was Chairman of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo from 1979 until his retirement in 1985. Jim served on many boards through the years such as the Board of Governors of St. Pauls College, The University of Waterloo, the Waterloo Presbytery Extension Council, the Kitchener Police Commission, the Kitchener Parks and Recreation Commission and others. He was a founding member and trustee of Forest Hill United Church from its inception in 1960 until present day. At various times Jim was a member of Parkway Golf Club, the K-W Granite Curling Club and Dundee Golf and Country Club, the Waterloo Lions Club and the Kitchener Conestoga Rotary Club. For those who knew his quick wit and dynamic humor, remember those sparkling blue Irish eyes, the occasional singing of “Danny Boy” and raise a glass in his memory. He will be missed.

Jim’s family will receive relatives and friends for visitation at Westmount Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Memorial Service will be held at Forest Hill United Church, 121 Westmount Road at 2 p.m. September 22, 2010 with reception to follow.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to your charity of choice or Children’s Wish Foundation would be appreciated by the family and may be arranged through the Westmount Funeral Home, Kitchener (519) 743-8900.

Visit www.westmountfuneralchapel.com for Jim’s memorial