James Robert Gray

James "Jim" Robert Gray, 75, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on January 1, 2025.

Born and raised in Warren, OH, Jim was a stalwart on the gridiron and other sports for Warren G. Harding High School. It was his place on the football team that took him to Hiram College but it was his dual emphasis in science and education that set him on his career path.

Upon graduation from Hiram, Jim spent two years in the Peace Corps serving as a teacher in Ghana.  A life-long scientist, Jim then earned his master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney before establishing his life in Pittsburgh where he would reside for the remainder of his life.

Jim was an inspiration to scores of students during his more than three decades as a teacher and coach in the city of Pittsburgh Public Schools.  He was a science teacher at Columbus, Allegheny, and Brashear during his decorated career as well as coaching several middle school, junior varsity, and varsity programs.  He shared in the joy of his students’ academic and athletic successes throughout the years.

In addition to his professional passion and his lifelong dedication to his family, Jim was an avid birdwatcher and sports enthusiast.  The success of his hometown Cleveland sports teams was important to Jim as was his adopted Pittsburgh teams. He was quick to defend his Cleveland teams, but always made time and showed interest in those teams that others had a connection with. 

His love of birding brought him great joy - which he shared with his family. Whether it was the annual Christmas Bird Count, traveling across the US and internationally to improve his life count, or simply sitting on the back patio and observing, Jim stayed true to himself, his to-do lists, and what he loved. 

His sense of humor and humble ways served as a guidepost for all those that shared his life, especially his loved ones who carry his legacy forward. He was always there with a warm smile, a show of support, and an encouraging word.

Jim and his wife Debbie served in leadership positions at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church for many years and were united in marriage in its sacred chapel in 2022.  They developed strong bonds with so many during their cherished time with the people of St. Brendan’s.

Jim is survived by loving wife Debbie, his sons Simon (Anne), Nathaniel (Kelly), Matthew (Diana), Ally (Kyle), and Matthew W. He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren: Emilie, Elisabeth, Caroline, Emelia, Evelyn, and Graham. The family was blessed to spend Christmas all together in recent weeks.

All those that loved Jim and his family are invited to a memorial service followed by a celebration of life reception that will be held at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Road, Sewickley, PA 15143, on Saturday, January 18th.  The service will begin at 11 a.m.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to A-T Children's Project (Ataxia Telangiectasia). Donation link can be found here - https://atcp.org/donate/

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