James Arthur Gray, 76, of Sublette, formerly of Butler and Litchfield, died on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Serenity Hospice and Home in the city of Oregon, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 15, at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield. A visitation will precede from 10 to 11 a.m. A celebration of life will follow the Mass at the Red Rooster Inn in Hillsboro.
Mr. Gray was born on Oct. 30, 1948. He earned his bachelor’s degree in social studies from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Illinois Springfield and a specialist degree in educational leadership from Eastern Illinois University. A lifelong educator, Mr. Gray began his career at Olympia High School as a teacher and football and wrestling coach. He then transitioned into administration, serving as principal and athletic director at Tower Hill Schools. Mr. Gray led the way for the first rural conversion of the New Holland-Middletown School District, creating new opportunities for the rural community.
His culminating achievement was the creation of Liberty Junior High School for Burbank District #111, a suburb of Chicago. Mr. Gray was a staunch advocate for public schools, teachers and students and earned respect throughout the educational community for his commitment and leadership.
Mr. Gray touched the lives of many with his deep love, kindness and unwavering support, especially toward his beloved wife, Colleen Brown Gray, whom he married on July 24, 1976. Together, they shared 48 years of marriage. He will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Above all, Mr. Gray was most proud of his children and grandchildren. He cherished attending their events and admiring their many accomplishments throughout his life. His love for his family knew no bounds and his greatest joy came from seeing them thrive and grow. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Mr. Gray had a deep passion for classic cars, owning and cherishing many models. He also loved restoring old houses, from Queen Anne to Bungalow, Prairie to Victorian, always taking on the work himself with skill and dedication. Beyond his love for cars and craftsmanship, Mr. Gray was passionate about dancing, especially swing, which he competed in during college and continued to enjoy throughout his life with his wife. He also delighted in teaching his children the joy of dance, sharing with them the joy and energy it brought to his life.
Mr. Gray’s life was filled with memorable accomplishments and unique experiences. He was a Rugby National Champion with the Bloomington Blues and earned the SIUC Golden Helmet Award. He contributed to This Old-House Journal.
Mr. Gray is survived by his loving wife, Colleen Brown Gray; children, Aaron Gray (Kelsey), Katie Henkel (Adam) and Jacob Gray; grandchildren, Jamison and Ivy Gray and Olivia and Vivienne Henkel; brother, Joseph Gray and two sisters, Jean Sheridan and Jackie Gray; special cousins, Sharon Terneus and Rusty Boone; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Doris Gray; and his in-laws, Raymond and Ruth Brown.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship is being established in Mr. Gray’s honor at SIUC. More information will follow.
