Obituary: James S.M. Gray

April 7, 1923 – May 18, 2016

The long and prestigious life of James Stewart Murray Gray, 93, ended Wednesday, May 18, 2016. Born in Canada to Scottish parents, Jim grew up in Brechin, Scotland.

Jim first served with the Royal Air Force (ground crew for the “Dam Busters” 617 Squadron). He then fought in Korea with Canadian Forces (Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry P.P.C.L.I.) and went on to serve 23 years with the U.S. Army Reserves M.P. Battalion in Tallahassee, Florida.

Jim was employed by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Structures for 30 years designing bridges and interstate rest areas around Florida. On retirement, he volunteered five years with Habitat for Humanity and three years with the Orlando Science Center (History of Flight and Exhibit).

Jim was an outstanding member of the Scottish community, taking the Clan Stewart tent to many games in the Southeastern U.S. and serving as drum major of Massed Bands. He was the founding president of the Clan Stewart Society in America, a charter member of the St. Andrew Society of Tallahassee, a former president of the Scottish American Society of Central Florida and Drum Major of the Day in Orlando, Tallahassee and Savannah.

Jim was predeceased by his first wife, Eunice B. Gray, and is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 35 years, Valerie E.E. Gray; children, Carol Suzanne “Cookie” Sorrie (Mike Raabe), John Gordon “Gordy” Gray (Blair), J.S. Murray Gray (Brenda); stepsons, Mark A. Austin (Lesley), Grant S. Austin (Alexandra); 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. June 11, 2016, at Park Lake Presbyterian Church, 309 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, Florida 32801. A reception immediately follows at Sorosis Woman’s Club of Orlando, 501 E. Livingston St., Orlando, Florida 32803.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Habitat for Humanity of Central Florida, 4116 Silver Star Road, Orlando, FL 32808; or Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.