James Gray was born June 9, 1949 to the late Sam and Bessie Gray in Birmingham, Alabama. When he was very young the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. He was educated in the Cleveland school system and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. James accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Union Grove Baptist Church under the pastorship of Reverend E. L. Rogers.

James served in the United States Army and was an honorably discharged Vietnam veteran. James had a number of jobs in his early life which included working in his uncle Robert’s store, being a clothier at Harry Weinraub, moving furniture, and working at Republic Steel. But the majority of his career was spent at Alcoa, 1600 Harvard Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44105 where he met many friends (including his wife, Linda). He completed 39 years of employment there and retired as an industrial truck driver in 2012.

James and Yolanda Gordon were married July 13, 1991. To this union two children were born: Trent and Tiason.

James loved cars, traveling, and clothes (that brotha sure could dress). But most of all he loved his family and friends. If he loved you he’d give you the shirt off his back. If he didn’t you had nothing coming.

James departed this life at home on August 3, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Bessie Waiters Gray.

James leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory: his loving wife of 33 years Yolanda (Linda) Gray; four children: Toyce (Kim) Gray, Pique Gray, Trent Gray and Tiason Gray; uncle Eli Waiters Sr.; favorite cousins Eli (Robin) Waiters Jr. and Marilyn (Marvin) Arts; and his large circle of friends that he considered brothers and sisters: Diane Adams, Thelma Blackmon, Marlene Brown, Louis Brownloe, Stephanie (Brown) Carr, James (Jimbo) Flowers, Deborah King, Peggy McCurley, Mary Nunnally, George Ray, (Fast) Eddie Smith, Lasalle Smith, Jefferson D. Tufts, Courtland (Toby) Wilkerson and Marie (Ree) Willis.