James Thomas Gray, age 75, of Paris, Arkansas, passed away Friday, November 10, 2017. He was born on February 9, 1942, in Curtis, Clark County, Arkansas, to Joseph Arthur, Jr. and Lenora Lee Gray. He married Billie Evans on May 24, 1961.

James (Jim) was a member of First Baptist Church of Paris, AR. He was a 1960 graduate of Guernsey High School and attended Texarkana Junior College. He received his Bachelor's degree in 1964 from Henderson College at Arkadelphia. While working on his Master's at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Jim was recruited by the University to lead a program called, "This Atomic World", to educate the people in Arkansas on the positive attributes of nuclear energy. He received his Master's in Education in 1971.

Upon graduation from college in 1964, he accepted a teaching position in Bradley, AR. He spent 37 years working in the field of education where he served as a teacher, Assistant High School Principal and Federal Funds Coordinator (Paris, AR), High School Principal (Bradley, AR), Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent (Paris, AR).

He was strongly involved in the community where he served as Bradley City Judge, volunteered for Bradley Fire Dept., was an EMT Paramedic for Springhill, LA, drove school buses, and volunteered his assistance wherever it was needed. Jim was a selfless man and an extremely hard worker.

Aside from helping others, he enjoyed spending time with his family and being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed traveling to various auctions and Estate sales and was an avid collector of stamps, glassware, kerosine lamps, and other antique items.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joseph Arthur Gray III.

He is survived by his wife, Billie Evans Gray; a sister, Susie Ennis of Batesville, AR; his children, Sherri Hinds (Wayne) of Conway, AR; Tandy Gray (Marquis Hebert) of Hot Springs, AR; his grandchildren, Michael J. Hinds (Xiuhong) of Shanghai, China; Brittany Berry (Ryan) of Cabot, AR; his nieces and nephews, Tony Caston (Dawn) of Kingsport, TN; Tony Stephens of Sugarland, TX; Cathy McKamie (Matt) of Oklahoma City, OK; Chuck Stephens (Belinda) of Mayflower, AR; Rusty Cornelius (Kelly) of Hope, AR; John Caston (Wendy) of Jacksonville, FL; Suzy Powell (Rusty) of Hope, AR; Mike Ennis (Oana) of Batesville, AR; and numerous cousins and other relatives.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM. Saturday, November 18, 2017, at First Baptist Church in Paris, AR.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 311 E Main Street, Paris, AR 72855.

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