James Steven Gray

James Steven Gray passed away on July 4, 2022, at his home in San Angelo, Texas, after a prolonged illness. The visitation will be held on Friday, July 8, 2022, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Shaffer Funeral Home in San Angelo, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Westside Baptist Church in San Angelo, Texas. He will be laid to rest on July 9, 2022, in Sherwood, Texas, at the Sherwood Cemetery. Pastor Joe Bourgeois will be officiating. James was born in San Angelo on January 14, 1970, and was the son of Johnnie and Joyce Simmons Gray of Mertzon. He is also survived by one brother, John Gray, also of San Angelo, Texas. James had a big heart and never met a stranger. He loved his three cats, Leo, Boots, and Ebony. James attended school at Irion County ISD from Kindergarten through High School graduating in 1988. During High School and college, James worked at the local grocery store, OK's County Store, and made many friends in the community. He attended Angelo State University for several years. James assisted his father, Johnnie, in his insurance business and construction business for many years. When he was able, James attended Westside Baptist Church in San Angelo. James grew up in Mertzon and was active in the community before moving to San Angelo in 1989. He was a member of the Irion County 4-H Club during his school years serving as President of that club for several years. He participated in the Irion County Horse Club and earned many of the 4-H pins during his years in 4-H. He was also a Boy Scout and earned his Eagle award as well as two palms in 1988. His Eagle project was to map every home in Mertzon and Sherwood and supply them with Vial of Life containers for their health information. This was all done before 911 existed. James was a member of the Hornet Band from Junior High School through High School and played the clarinet that his father had played during his high school band years. James loved going on the family vacation twice a year. He took his own photos and made albums of his trips. Many of his photos were used in making 4-H record books to earn the photography badge. He liked hiking, fishing, and snow skiing. Source: Shaffer Funeral Home, San Angelo, TX