James Charles Gray

If you had asked Jim how he was doing at almost any point in his life, chances are he would have flashed his trademark smile, let out one of his hearty laughs, and answered, "I'm just fabulous!" It was more than his favorite response—it was the way he chose to live. Jim approached life with optimism, curiosity, humor, and a genuine love for people, animals, and, above all else, his family.

Jim was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Groundhog Day, February 2, 1932, weighing an impressive 12 pounds. His beloved Mamaw, who helped raise him and remained one of the greatest influences in his life, famously looked at the Groundhog Day baby and quipped, "Let's hope he doesn't see his shadow." Jim delighted in telling that story throughout his life.

When Jim was still a young boy, his father was killed while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Jim spent much of his childhood living with his Mamaw on a farm in East Tennessee. He adored her and often said she was the finest woman who ever lived. It was there that his lifelong love of animals and farming took root.

Jim proudly served four years in the United States Air Force, an experience that allowed him to travel the world. Among his favorite memories were his time stationed in Casablanca, North Africa, and serving in a classified unit responsible for assembling atomic bombs. His military experiences provided him with countless stories that he loved sharing throughout his life.

Following his honorable discharge, Jim returned home to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with a concentration in animal husbandry and a specialization in poultry. Family and friends often joked that Jim knew more about chickens than anyone they had ever met—and they were probably right.

Jim was active with Sigma Phi Epsilon during his college years, where he formed lifelong friendships and enjoyed an active social life. In those days, students even lived in Neyland Stadium, and Jim proudly counted himself among them—something few people today can imagine. It was during college that he met the love of his life, Judith "Judy" Moulton, at a pool party. Jim always said he first noticed Judy because of her yellow bathing suit—a swimsuit Judy has lovingly kept to this day.

Jim remained a proud Volunteer throughout his life. "Go Vols!" Ironically, he rarely watched close Tennessee football games on television because they made him far too nervous. If the Vols weren't comfortably ahead, Jim would often leave the room rather than endure the suspense.

Jim and Judy were married in March 1956 and recently celebrated 70 years of marriage. They were true partners and best friends, sharing a lifetime of adventures, family, laughter, duplicate bridge, and the occasional disagreement that every long marriage earns. Through it all, their love and devotion to one another never wavered.

Early in their marriage, Jim and Judy made their home in North Carolina, where they spent more than twenty years raising their two daughters, Melinda and Rebecca. They returned to Tennessee in 1981 and later spent many happy years in Middle Tennessee before moving to Panama City Beach to be closer to their younger daughter, Rebecca.

Jim's career revolved around the work he loved most—animals and agriculture. Over the years, he worked in agricultural extension, hatcheries, and poultry farms, owned and operated a hog farm, and concluded his career with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Whether at work or at home, his passion for animals never faded.

He believed every child should have a pony, and because of him, both of his daughters—and later his grandchildren—grew up with ponies or horses. Animals were always a part of the Gray household. As Judy often joked, "Jim likes to breed things. It's a wonder we only had two children." Over the years, Jim raised dogs, cats, rabbits, chinchillas, goats, sheep, guinea pigs, and countless other animals. There always seemed to be another litter, another pen, another pasture, or another project underway.

Duplicate bridge was another lifelong passion that Jim and Judy shared. They began playing in college and continued throughout their marriage, forming treasured friendships around the bridge table...and maybe a few debates about strategy. They played until Jim's failing eyesight—and eventually a shortage of fellow players in their community—made it impossible to continue.

Jim never met a stranger. He genuinely enjoyed meeting new people, hearing their stories, and sharing one of his own. He was well known for his quick wit, colorful sense of humor, and perfectly timed jokes—sometimes just a little off-color—but always delivered with impeccable timing and followed by his unmistakable laugh, as though he were telling the punchline for the very first time. His family can still hear him begin with, "Have you heard the one about the blonde that was going to Houston...?" and immediately know another one of his favorite jokes was about to unfold.

Jim also loved a lively political discussion. Whether you agreed with him or not didn't matter nearly as much as being willing to engage in a spirited debate. For Jim, good conversation was simply another way to connect with people.

He also believed he came from exceptionally good stock. Jim loved telling anyone who would listen that his wife, daughters, and grandchildren were all "good lookin'...and they got that from me." He was a generous hugger and would jokingly announce that he especially liked hugging pretty women, usually earning another eye roll from Judy and a laugh from everyone else.

Even in the face of tremendous physical challenges later in life, Jim remained remarkably positive. Though he eventually became wheelchair-bound, nearly blind, and lived with diabetes, he never complained. Instead, he greeted each day with gratitude, a warm smile, and an optimistic spirit.

Above all else, Jim loved his family. He was a devoted husband, an incredible father, and a proud Granddaddy. Nothing brought him greater joy than talking about his children and grandchildren, and he never missed an opportunity to brag about their accomplishments to anyone willing to listen.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James Charles Gray; his mother, Emma "Billie" Walker Lipps; his sister, Mary Frances Lundy; and many beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Judith "Judy" Moulton Gray; daughters, Melinda Gray and her partner, Adam Schwartz, and Rebecca Gray Schwan and her husband, Jim Schwan; granddaughter, Kathryn Gray Appleton and her husband, Michael Durr; grandsons, Seth Charles Appleton and Alan Vaughn Reich; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

In keeping with Jim's wishes, there will be no memorial service. He will be cremated, and his ashes will eventually be interred at First Presbyterian Church in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Jim leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, hugs, and memories that his family will cherish forever. If you spent more than a few minutes with him, chances are you left having heard a story, laughed at one of his jokes, received a warm hug, and learned something about chickens, horses, or whatever animal happened to capture his attention that day. And if Jim could leave us with one final thought, we imagine it would simply be, "I'm just fabulous!"