Father James C. Gray (January 17, 1954 - June 24, 2026) was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, the second of eight children to Mary and Edward Gray of St. Louis, MO. From an early age, he was sensitive to injustices, and revealed his altruistic nature by often acting as champion for playground underdogs. A scholar and an athlete, Jim attended St. John’s High School in Toledo, Ohio where he earned varsity letters in cross country and track and field. Jim graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1976 with studies focusing on the Great Books and philosophy. Jim answered his calling to the priesthood in 1976 and was ordained a Jesuit at St. Mary’s Redford in Detroit in 1988. About his vocation Jim expressed, “I am here by His personal invitation and challenge to live a life shaped by the life of Christ himself and given over to the service of His people. For Christ is the heart of my existence. It is His love that envelops me. I wish to work as Christ worked, in loving service to God and humanity.” He earned a Master’s of Divinity from the Weston School of Theology, which is now part of Boston College, and a Master’s in Pastoral Studies from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

As a novitiate and, later, as a priest, Fr. Gray worked a myriad of jobs. He served in marginalized communities in cities like New York, Detroit and Los Angeles. He was also a teacher of theology and history classes for middle school, high school and college levels, and particularly enjoyed his time teaching and coaching at the University of Detroit High School as well as teaching at Xavier University in Cincinnati. Fr. Jim came to the Archdiocese of St. Louis in 1999. He began as an associate pastor at St. Sabina Parish in Florissant, MO and was later named as pastor and administrator of St. Boniface Parish in St. Louis City. He is remembered for helping the parish celebrate its 145-year history serving the surrounding community. While a full-time pastor, Fr. Jim also served in a second full-time job as the Catholic chaplain at Barnes-Jewish hospital for nineteen years. A co-worker remembers Fr. Gray as “the best chaplain we ever had. He was so respectful of medical staff, patients and their families and he was so kind and thoughtful to all the patients.” At one time, Jim was serving sixteen intensive care units and three ER departments across three medical facilities, including St. Louis Children’s Hospital. While continuing as chaplain, Fr. Jim was assigned as pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in Maplewood, MO where he revitalized the community and personally restored the rectory which he opened up for parishioner use. Next, Fr. Jim was assigned to St. Jude Parish in Overland, MO where he is remembered for his Irish wit, erudite teachings on scripture, and his interactive homilies. For several years, he simultaneously served as the pastor at All Souls Catholic Church, also in Overland.

A man of words, Jim was a voracious reader. He had an extensive library with a focus on history, a lifelong passion. One learned that asking Jim a history question would garner a lengthy, detailed and interesting response. Along with books, he collected historic memorabilia from ancient Greek and Roman times and the Great Wars, with a particular interest in the Civil War. Fr. Jim had a substantial vocabulary; language was his superpower and he loved a good story. His homilies were described as "inspirational," “palatable,” “relevant,” and “learned.”

Fr. Jim loved a good pipe/cigar and he enjoyed quality Irish whiskey and could expound on the merits of both. He loved all things Irish, was often seen sporting an Irish wool cap or brandishing jokes in an imitation Irish brogue. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, frequently wearing the Notre Dame insignia when he wasn’t in clerics. Jim relished a good prank and you knew he liked you if he teased you – to this point, many of us can attest.

Jim was a gracious host and generous gift-giver. He delighted in entertaining his parents, siblings, nieces and nephews in special nights out at a restaurant where he would reign as culinary expert. He enjoyed good food, but could cook only a handful of signature dishes – including his mother’s beef stew. He referred to a jar of pickles as “bachelor salad” and his trademark was a jar of mustard present at nearly every meal.

A gift to his family and community, Fr. Jim often presided at baptisms, weddings, funerals and special events for close relatives, friends and parishioners. Attending a home Mass said by Fr. Jim was always a special and meaningful experience. Sensitive yet direct, Fr. Gray earned the respect and trust of his congregations. Numerous parishioners came forward during the last few weeks to relay how Jim helped them in their lives, especially during “difficult times.” They referenced his work ethic, wisdom, humility and selflessness. Fr. Jim Gray made the world a better place, and he will be sorely missed by many. Pax Christi to all of you who befriended and cared for Jim. May we all follow his example and strive to "be the good light" for others, especially those in need.

Fr. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Edward Gray of Maumee, Ohio, his sister Mary Virginia Gray of Maumee, his clergy uncles both of the St. Louis diocese: Msgr. Edward W. Reilly and Rev. Lt. Colonel F. Joseph Reilly; and Brother James F. Gray of the Society of Mary. Fr. Jim is survived by brothers: Edward Gray (Jane), Steven Gray (Nancy Grant); and sisters: Tish Gray Varraveto (Dominic), Jean Gray Napoli (Chaz), Margaret Gray (Danny Spina), and Kate Gray Barrera (Patricio); sixteen nieces and nephews: Elizabeth Gray (Rob Shellito), Reilly Gray, Hannah Gray (Scott Vokes), Caroline Gray, Patricia Varraveto (Arturo Castellanos), Katherine Varraveto, Ginny Varraveto (Jon Thormann), Michael Varraveto (Colleen Thibeault), Ellen Napoli (Stephen Koch), Abby Napoli, Jack Napoli (Kate Harbinson), Bridget Napoli, Jimmy Napoli, Frances Barrera, Margot Barrera, and Audrey Barrera; great-nephews Hunter Shellito, Victor Castellanos, Bruce Varraveto, and great-niece Hailey Shellito and many beloved cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Archbishop’s Retired Priest Collection - Archdiocese of St. Louis or Saint Martin de Porres | Cleveland's Cristo Rey® High School.

Visitation will be at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 3130 Parkwood Ln, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 from 9-11 am on Saturday, July 11th, followed by a Funeral Mass to celebrate Fr. Jim’s life at 11 am. Interment at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, 480 W Highland Rd, Northfield, OH 44067 on July 13th. 

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home osfuneralhomes.com