James Gray Jr.

James Gray Jr. was born August 18, 1937 at Baltimore City Hospital to James Gray Sr. and Gertrude Gray. James was the youngest of three children. Both his brother William Gray, and sister Gertrude Jones Duckett, preceded him in death. James went peacefully to sleep in Christ Jesus at Augsburg Lutheran Home and Village on May 2, 2017, after a lengthy illness. James was baptized at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church and 1951, was confirmed by Reverend Winston J. Pledger. In 1957, James graduated from Douglass High School and enrolled in Immanuel Lutheran College in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he studied to become a minister. Because the college closed and his parents could not afford to send him to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis Missouri, James returned home and worked as a cashier at the Drug Fair stores near NSA, and in downtown Baltimore. His leadership ability was quickly noticed and James was subsequently promoted to manager. James met and married Helen Marie Shepperson of Meherrin, Virginia on September 5, 1964, From that union two children were born, a son, the late Alexander Timothy Gray; and a daughter, Katherine Naomi Gray. In 1980, James left Drug Fair and went to work for a friend and fellow church member, the late William C. March at the March Funeral Homes until retiring in 2001. James was a devoted member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church and held many positions. He was a member of the church council during the merger of St. Matthew's and Our Saviour Lutheran Churches. James also served a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Worshiper Director, As Worship Director, he was very particular about the appearance of the altar. For many years he cared for the altar and meticulously prepared the communion elements each Sunday. In earlier years, James served on the Board of Directors at Augsburg Lutheran Home. James leaves to mourn his wife, Helen Gray; his daughter, Katherine Gray; four grandchildren, Anthony Baylor, Brandon Gray, Jasmine Gray, and Taylor Gray; grand-stepson, Dante Brown Jr.; aunt, Queenie Hardaway; niece, Bernice Duckett; nephew, Carl Duckett; long-time friend, Louise Keene; the apple of his eye, Adore' Martin; and a host of relatives and friends

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James Gray Jr.

August 18, 1937 - May 2, 2017