James Allen Gray

Gray, James Allen Bay City, Michigan Mr. Gray passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at Brian's House with his family at his side, age 72 years. The son of the late Edward A. and Hazel S. (Houk) Gray was born August 22, 1938 in Burt, Michigan. He was a member of Community of Christ Church, the Laborers Local 1098 of Saginaw and retired from Champagne and Marx Contracting. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed working in his yard and his mornings at the "Garage of Knowledge" with his friends and special friends, Don, Doug, Pat and Mark. Mr. Gray is survived by his wife of thirty nine years, the former Jayne Ann (Toots) Nielson whom he married on January 15, 1972. Also surviving are two sons and two daughters-in-law; Keith and Darlene Gray and Daniel and Deborah Mann of Bay City, one daughter; Becky Gray of Bowling Green, KY, three grandchildren; James Gray, Chad Scott and Shawn Scott, four great grandchild; his favorite sister and best friend; Hazel Kish of Bay City, three brothers and four sisters-in-law; Francis (Cork) and Eleanor Gray of Bay City, Leslie and Shirley Gray of Auburn, Charles and Marion Gray of Florida and Rita Gray of Auburn, two brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law; Donald and Shelly Nielson of Bay City and Joseph and Sherry Nielson of Massachusetts and Diane Neitzel of St. Helen, his special dog and companion; Shawny, his nieces, nephews and many special friends. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister-in-law; Edward, Albert (Butch) and Tootie, Harry and Robert Gray. Funeral Services will take place Friday, August 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gephart Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.. Officiating will be Elder Gil Burgeson with interment following in Fremont Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. and until the time of service. Memorial cards for Community of Christ Church or Brian's House will be available at the funeral home.