James (Jim) Robert Gray

James (Jim) Robert Gray, formerly of Wilkes County died on June 13, 2026, in Durham, North Carolina. Jim was delivered by the late Dr. Robert Lewis at Wilkes Hospital on May 12, 1946, in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina, he was commissioned on graduation day as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. His service years included a tour aboard the USS Springfield and a year in-country tour in Vietnam as an intelligence officer. He remained in the reserves for several years and ended his military service with the rank of Lieutenant. He joined the family business, Gray Brothers Furniture, in 1971 and spent 33 years there until the business was closed in 2004 after 75 years of serving the community.

Jim was an incredibly kind and giving father, husband, and friend who lived his life in service of others. He deeply cherished his family, friends and community. He never missed an opportunity to send a hand-written note or make a call at holidays, to mark a special occasion, or just to check-in.

He served on numerous boards in Wilkes County including the Rainbow Center for Children, YMCA, ADAP, the Wilkes Art Gallery, Red Cross, Kiwanis Club and Old Wilkes, Inc. He was most proud of his work and leadership to convert the Old Wilkes courthouse into the Wilkes Heritage Museum. He was an active member for more than 30 years at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where he served terms on the Vestry and as Senior Warden and Treasurer.

After moving to Durham in 2007, he served as President of the Chapel Hill-Carboro Kiwanis Club, was on the board of the North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center and was a mentor with SCORE where he helped to counsel small business owners. He was a member of the Church of the Holy Family Episcopal Church in Chapel Hill where he served as a Eucharistic lay minister, usher, and lector.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, A. Russell Gray, Jr. and Annie Vannoy Gray, his brother A.  Russell Gray III, his sister Ruth Gray and his much-loved daughter-in-law Hannah Gray. His loving wife of 56 years, Mary Iva Reinhardt Gray, passed away one year and one day before him.

He is survived by his son David Gray; daughter, Meg Gray Wiehe and her husband, Kevin Wiehe; and four grandchildren who were his greatest joy, Elliot Wiehe, Anne Gray, Walter Gray and Emmett Wiehe.

In a period of declining health, Jim received kind and loving care from a group of very special caregivers. His family would like to thank Venice, La’Precious, Alyssa and Steve for their devotion.

A service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wilkesboro on Thursday, July 2nd at 1pm. The family will receive guests in the parish house following the service.

Jim asked to share his philosophy for life, most often attributed as a Quaker saying: “I expect to pass through this world but once. If, therefore, there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing that I can do, to any fellow human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it; for I will not pass this way again.”

To honor his service to others, Jim’s family asks that in lieu of flowers you remember him by making a memorial gift to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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