Dr. Gray

WORLEY-LUGINBUEL FUNERAL HOME, GROVE~ 711 SOUTH MAIN~ 918-786-2261~ Dr. James "Jim" Morris Gray was born in Vinita, OK on September 9th, 1939 to Wilbur William Gray and Elta Pearl Betts. He departed his life on Earth peacefully, surrounded by love, in Tulsa, OK on April 12, 2014. During his youth James had the blessed opportunity to experience life in a difficult time as his parents, older siblings, as well as himself worked hard to make life more beneficial for the future generations of Gray's. Leaving an 800 square foot home in Grove and traveling Grapes of Wrath style to work in the labor camps of Oregon, the family was able to live nicer and make more money than they ever could have in Oklahoma. However, the discrimination they endured there drove them back to Grove to finish raising their family and made a lifelong impression on James. It was in Grove that James graduated from high school in 1957 and thus began a beautiful journey through life. After completing both his Bachelor in Science and Master in Science Education from Pittsburg State University (KS), he continued on to complete his Doctorate degree in Education at University of Arkansas in 1971, allowing him to pursue his dream of being a Superintendent, but he had one important commitment prior to completing this degree. Her name was Karen "Kay" Sue Arnold and she devotedly committed 49 years to him starting January 6th, 1965. They enjoyed many joyful experiences together in many places over the years. From living in the suburbs of Kansas City to Topeka (KS), Norman (OK), and eventually back to Grove not to mention trips all over Europe, China, Mexico and South America, and the South Pacific, they truly did see what life can offer. In between those stops through life, life continued for them and they also brought forth life. The eldest child, Matthew Alan was born in Kansas City and soon followed by their daughter Jennifer Kaye, born three years after. After Kansas City they took their next step together and moved as a family to Topeka, KS. During this time in Topeka they were blessed to complete their family with the birth of their youngest son, Will Bradford. James' time in Topeka was tumultuous at best as the district was sued for $200 million his first week on the job for its inability to desegregate as mandated by the Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit. He spent the next nine years moving the district from low test scores, declining enrollment, building disrepair, and re-districting to meet desegregation standards all with apathetic community to being in the top 20% districts nationwide when he left in 1985. As with life, change is constant and their journey then took them to Norman, OK. Norman offered an opportunity for their family to be stable both at home and professionally to a position he described as his "favorite" in a town he loved. It was here that all his children graduated from high school and from which James retired. His retirement brought him back home to the lake and Grove to build his dream home with Kay, to share with his family for the golden years to come. Even though he was retired, James continued to give of himself and his expertise by working for the Oklahoma State School Boards Association doing Superintendent searches, interim Superintendentcies, and school board workshops throughout the state. He served and unexpired term on the Grove School Board, where he initiated a long range planning strategy, and did what he felt was necessary to move his hometown school district towards advancement. His philosophy was, "a good leader lets his people shine, and that reflects on him without having to beat his own drum". His philosophy of leadership shone through with his profession, as well as with his children and grandchildren. Of all his many accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. He would have rather been at the lake or on his boat surrounded by all of his family and friends than anywhere else in the world. He commented several times that he thought Grand Lake was the most beautiful place on Earth. He had a lifetime love of sports that revolved around KC Royals baseball and KC Chiefs' football, as well as OU football. He spent every year planning and cultivating a beautiful vegetable garden that was the envy of the block. James was a perfect example of what a husband, father, and role model should be. He was calm, comforting, and pragmatic; yet stern, serious and logical. He was a man people admired and respected as soon as he walked into a room. James lived a wonderful and satisfying life, and he touched the lives of many people, near and far. The memories he left behind will always be engraved in our hearts and minds no matter how old we grow, or where we travel, or where we end up in life. He made a difference, and that's all he ever wanted to do. James was a brilliant man who lived a brilliant life, one worth its weight in gold, one that should be written down, spoken about, and remembered fondly. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Daryl and Charles. He is survived by his wife and three children, brothers Arden and Ted Gray, and sister Dena Hillard. As well as seven grandchildren, Madisyn Oglesby, Jackson Ellis, Emma, Harrison and Davis Gray, Grant Henry and Amelia Gray. In them, he leaves a legacy. Memorials may be made in Jim's memory to the following, Dr. James M. Gray Memorial Scholarship Fund. c/o Bank of Grove, 201 E. 18th Street Grove, OK 74344 or The Grace Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 450705, Grove, OK 74344. Visitation will be 6PM-8PM, Thursday, April 17, 2014 at Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, 711 South Main, Grove, OK. Services will be 2:00 PM Friday at Grace Presbyterian Church, 400 South Main, Grove, OK. Arrangements are entrusted to Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove. Family and Friends may view the obituary online and send condolences at www.honoringmemories.com

Visitation Details

Thursday, April 17th, 2014 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home - Grove

Service Details

Friday, April 18th, 2014 2:00pm, Grace Presbyterian Church