Jim Gray, Sr.

Jim Gray, Sr. died at his home at Woodland Heights on December 16. Jim was born to Marion & Marian Gray in Little Rock in 1932. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Stanley and his stepmother, Agnes Bauer. Jim was married to Susan East May and they had three children who survive him, Jim Gray Jr of Washington, D.C.; Suzy Gray of San Antonio, Texas and Frances Fayard of New Orleans, La. Jim is also survived by his grandson Carter Gray Fayard and his close companion, Rachel Allen. Jim graduated from Little Rock High School and the University of Arkansas where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Jim was commissioned as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force serving for two years in Bury St. Edmunds, England. In 1968, Jim was a named plaintiff in successful litigation to require complete desegregation of the Little Rock School District. Jim was a member of the Little Rock City Beautiful Commission that crafted Little Rock's first sign ordinance. He was a master gardener and a longtime volunteer gardener at Mount Holly Cemetery. Jim was a founding member of Saint Michael's Episcopal Church and later joined Grace Lutheran Church. Jim's friends will gather at Grace Lutheran Church at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 6 with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Humane Society of Pulaski County or Grace Lutheran Church. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.