James L. Gray II

January 27, 1942 - September 26, 2019

James L. “Jim” Gray II, age 77 of Clare, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI., with his family by his side. On January 27, 1942, Jim was born the son of James L. and Josephine (Smalec) Gray in Lansing, MI. He was united in marriage to Pamela Kogler on December 8, 2005 in Las Vegas. Jim was a proud career employee of General Motors, having worked as an engine design draftsman for its Oldsmobile division for 38 ½ years. Shortly after his retirement from GM in 1998, Jim decided to move permanently from Lansing to the Harrison area where he bought his retirement cottage on Townline Lake. Jim had a great passion for riding his Harley-Davidson trike and traveling to Florida during the cold Michigan winters. He also enjoyed bowling during his younger years, fishing with family and friends, spending time on the golf course, and cooking some of his “famous recipes”. Those that knew Jim well will remember his sense of humor and love for the social aspects of life. Jim is survived by his wife Pamela Gray of Clare, his children James (Eve) Gray III of Mason, MI., Mark (Pamela) Gray of Grand Ledge, MI., Heather (Felix) Garcia of Lansing, MI., and his step-children Carrie (Dave) Baker of Clare and Terry (Charlene) Cook of Clare. He is also survived by his sister Cynndy Majdeski of Zephyrhills, FL., his grandchildren Joshua, Jacob, Justen, Jessica, Katelyn, Aaron, Morgan, Devin, Anthony, Kayla, Jonathan, Mason, Lauren, Jace, and Caitlyn, many great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and his first spouse Karen Burghdoff. Jim was preceded in death by his parents James and Josephine Gray, his sister Virginia Miller, and his brother William Gray. In keeping with Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of Jim’s life will take place on Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Eagles Club of Harrison located at 5002 E. Townline Lake Rd, Harrison, MI 48625. Memorial contributions in honor of Jim may be directed to the Cancer foundation. For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the Gray family page at www.stephenson-wyman.com