James A. Gray, 84 of Lowell, IN passed away on Dec. 31, 2021 peacefully in his home. He is survived by his Wife of 64 years, Betty (Stivers) Gray and children Sharon (David) Proud of Lowell, IN, Joel Gray of Lowell, IN, Elizabeth (Larry) Haniford of Crown Point, IN, Linda Gray of Kentland, IN, Lester (Sheila) Gray of Collinsville, IL, Sandy (Randy) MacFarlane of Crown Point, IN. He is also survived by two brothers Elton and Arliss Gray, a sister Alma Clemmons, 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his Parents Jester A. Gray and Florine (Ferrell) Gray, Brother Harold Glenn Gray, and one niece Rebecca (Gray) Emory.
James was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cedar Lake for 52 years where he served as a Deacon and was instrumental (along with many others) in the building of their current church building now known as Lighthouse Church. He served in the Migrant Ministry, Equestrians for Christ, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and various Mission trips. He was known as Cowboy Jim as he often took his horses to churches within Northwest Indiana taking part in their outreach ministries such as Vacation Bible School.
James was a retired Carpenter Contractor owning his own business and belonged to the Carpenter’s Union. He was the biggest cheerleader at his daughters’ softball games. He enjoyed taking his children/grandchildren to Primitive Horse Camps and several Spring Break trips to Padre’ Island camping on the beach. Family was very important to him (which included the church and friends).
A Celebration of the life of James Gray will be held at Lighthouse Church located at 13419 Parrish Ave, Cedar Lake, IN on January 8, 2022. A time to meet with the family will begin at 10:30, the service will start at 11:00. There will be a light luncheon immediately following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lighthouse Church of Cedar Lake, IN, The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief or to the International Missions Board of Southern Baptist.