James "Jim" Gray

James J. "Jim" Gray, 79, of Cranston and formerly of North Smithfield, RI passed away September 29, 2024, in Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston.

Born in Providence, RI to the late Elmer P. and Marguerite (Kelliher) Gray. Jim graduated from Cranston East High School, Bryant College, and had a master's degree from Boston University. Jim was an army veteran of the Vietnam War and upon his return taught business education classes at Franklin High School until he retired. His career passion was running the Distributive Education Clubs of America program where he inspired and prepared emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Jim was a former member of the North Smithfield Kiwanis Club, an avid golfer, and enjoyed vacationing at his home in The Villages, FL.

He is survived by Nancy Gray of North Smithfield; his two daughters, Lisa Gray and her husband, Scott Powell, of North Smithfield, and Lori Laury and her husband, Jeremy, of North Kingstown; a sister, Marguerite Brackley of Boston, MA; four grandchildren, Owen and Christian Genereux, and Abram and Elaina Gray. He was the brother of the late Elmer "Sonny" Gray, Robert Gray, and Dorothy Heffernan.

His funeral will be held Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 10 AM from the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St., Woonsocket, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 63 Church St., Slatersville. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, 163 Smithfield Ave., Pawtucket. Calling hours are Monday, October 7, 2024, from 5-7 PM.

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