Rev. Fr. James (Jim) Gray
Posted By Sobering Funeral Chapel On January 13, 2020 @ 1:57 pm In Obituaries | 19 Comments
March 20, 1941 – January 12, 2020
Peacefully, at the age of 78, Father James William Gray passed away surrounded by friends.
James was a devoted son to his late parents William Fergusson Gray and Rachel Edith Poirier and was predeceased by his dear sister Mary Ann (Gray) Lalonde. He is survived by his brother-in-law Gérald Lalonde, nieces & nephews: Michelle (Pierre), Raymond (Angelika), Jacqueline and Pierre. Great nieces & nephews: Simon, Michaela, Alex, Thomas, William, Sophia, Patrice (Anick), Martine (François) and extended family.
Fr. Jim graduated from Transcona Collegiate in 1958. He later enrolled at the University of Manitoba (St. Paul’s College) and graduated with a psychology degree in 1968. Sensing a call to the priesthood, Jim went to seminary in Toronto and obtained his M.Div. from the Toronto School of Theology in 1972. He was called to Holy Orders by Archbishop Maurice Baudoux and ordained to the priesthood on June 30th, 1972.
Prior to his calling to the church, a young James was the proud employee of VIA RAIL and often spoke fondly of his years on the rails and of adventures to and from Churchill Manitoba. He loved train travel enjoying the views that this unique mode of transportation provided.
Fr. Jim served as an assistant pastor for 2 years after his ordination. One year at St. Bernadette and the other at Christ the King. He was then made Pastor at Carman, MB and served the parishes of Morden and Elm Creek as well. While in Carman, Fr. Jim volunteered to be on the local Morden radio station as a DJ and often reminisced about helping out on the cattle farms along the Manitoba escarpment. He served these parishes until 1980. He was moved to the Winnipeg parish of Holy Cross where he served as pastor from 1980 until the late nineties. During this time he had a special place in his heart for serving the poor and he was instrumental in gathering the youth for activities such as music and floor hockey in the Holy Cross school gym.
Fr. Jim spent nearly the remainder of his earthly days serving the communities of Powerview-Pine Falls and Stead until 2018. During this time he lived in the family cottage at Albert Beach and loved to feed and speak with all the animals that would visit his home including his favourite deer Fala. Finally, he served weekend ministry in Grand Marais and Stead until his health declined.
Besides parish ministry, Fr. Jim served as the Diocesan Spiritual Director for the CWL, was the Diocesan Director of Catholic Schools, served as a Dean and worked on the College of Consultors with the Archbishop Albert LeGatt.
Fr. Jim had a profound love for nature and found God in it. He was known for his exceptional singing voice and for giving thought-provoking homilies that were down to earth and related to God’s creation and our natural human friendships. He always had an open heart and an open home for the people of God. He cherished and adored every friendship and brought many souls to a deeper understanding of God’s love.
Many thanks to the staff at both the Selkirk Hospital and Red River Place PCH where James resided for his final year. Thanks go out as well to James’ many dear friends who made living in care much more bearable with outings and visits, and those who accompanied him for doctor appointments and treatments. He was well surrounded and well loved by so many.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice or consider donating blood at Canadian Blood Services. Family and friends thank those who donate, as we were able to enjoy James’ company for an extra year thanks to their thoughtfulness.
Never wavering from his faith, may God welcome James with open arms, saying ‘’Well done, Good and Faithful Servant’’.
Prayers will be said on Friday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 505 Brewster Street, Winnipeg, MB.
Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, February 8 with Eulogies at 10:00 a.m. and Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Boniface Cathedral, 180 Avenue de la Cathédrale, Winnipeg, MB.
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I am so sorry to hear of Fr. Gray’s passing. I heard some of his homilies when he was assigned to Holy Cross Parish on Dubuc in Winnipeg. They were very thought provoking. May God grant abundant mercy on His servant’s soul.
A dear dear soul has gained his Heavenly Wings. Father Jim was a very special friend to my Mom, Phyllis. He brought her joy with his sermons and mom looked forward to the traditional “passing of candies” into his hand, when he greeted her after mass each Sunday, as did he! He brought a LOT of happiness to my mom….and as a favor, conducted her funeral mass, as well as burial. His words he spoke that day truly brought my heart peace, and I will be eternally grateful. May his soul be at peace.
To Father Gray’s family. On Father Jim as we knew him… I will cherish the decades of having him as a cabin neighbor. He was a wonderful friend to have growing up at the lake over decades. Many many memories and stories shared. Profound debates on life and lessons. I would give anything for one more sit on the beach with soulful conversation with him. My remaining family will grieve his passing. My deepest heartfelt sympathies to the family from the Siddall’s of Albert Beach and Pine Falls. Rest in Peace Father Jim
Fr Gray was one in a billion!! I remember our heart to heart conversations and will never forget him . My mother adored him also. In God’s arms…
Rest in Peace Father Jim, I can still see and hear you on a Good Friday service carrying the cross and singing in your beautiful voice and wearing your Jesus boots!
So many memories: you baptizing 3 of our 4 children, helping me by babysitting Nicole when she was little, all the meals we shared with Gary and Anne, your beautiful voice and your wonderful personality. We were lucky when we moved to the city to fine you at Holy Cross and all the help you gave us to get Patrick at St. Boniface Diocesan High School. The wonderful mass you had for our family reunion. We will hold you forever in our heart. Loved having you in our Weight Watcher’s class! Now you won’t have to worry about your weight! Love to you from all the Smith family .
So glad that we had the opportunity to visit with you in Selkirk Hospital.
You became a part of our family in Carman in the 70’s and we will keep you in our hearts forever.
Rest in the peace of the Lord.
We are so sorry to hear of Fr. Jim’s passing. You were a true friend being there always for us. Many movies, meals, music and conversation were had together. You will be missed. Rest in Peace Fr. Jim.
Sacha, Emile and Laurette Sabourin
We are so sorry to hear of Fr. Jim’s passing. You were a true friend being there always for us. Many movies, meals, music and conversation were had together. You will be missed. Rest in Peace Fr. Jim.
Sacha, Emile and Laurette
God sends us special people on our life’s journey to guide us, to challenge us and teach us. You were that special person for me. When we first met I was a lost soul seeking direction in my life. Thank you for your guidance and patience with me. May God’s holy angels lead you to your heavenly home. When you arrive may the first words you hear be ” well done good and faithful servant” Many people will miss you and will hopefully give thanks to God because of you.
We were truly blessed to have had you be a part of our lives for 40 plus years. You married three of our children, baptized two & helped us through the unbearable loss of our youngest. You inspired us & our family through your example of living your faith. We give thanks for having you in our life and know that heaven is welcoming you home.
During most of the 12 years that we spent in Carman, Father Jim was our parish priest. We thoroughly enjoyed his homilies as they were so down to earth and in the present. Father Jim was always there when someone needed him, whether for guidance or to be consoled. We loved his sense of humor and his beautiful singing voice. He was a true friend and will be in our hearts forever. Rest in peace.
I’m going to miss Father Jim ! I’ll always remember my twin daughter’s baptism, and listening to my confession in Carman when I kinda misbehaved with an umpire. Let’s just say: He was sitting right at the on deck circle and heard the whole thing ! That was quite the penance ! No need to flip any pages St. Peter ! Just open the doors ! Till we meet again at that perfect ball park Father Jim. Rest easy !!
Hammerin Hank Lemoine #44
Carman Goldeyes
We are so thankful for the many memories and huge impact Father Jim had on our family. We experienced baptisms, confirmations, weddings, anniversaries and funerals with this very special man. He has firmly stamped his mark in our hearts and in our souls. He served mass in his own unique way (and typically in sandals!). Special occasions, such as Easter, had his own meaningful traditions that we carry on to this very day. We love you .. we pray for you .. Well done, My Good and Faithful One .. until we meet again.
Some qualities about Fr. Jim which was rather unique. He was a strong bridge player. What inspired me was about hitchhikers he picked and talked about and his concern for the environment. My condolences to the family.
Hello,
My name is Jacqueline ( Father Jim’s niece )
On behalf of the family,
I would like to Thank you all for your condolences, and for sharing your special memories of Jim…
Many of you truly were extended family to him… for that I am truly thankful
“God Bless”
He was one of the most unique people that I have ever had the privilege to know. I’ll always remember his relatable down to earth sermons and how much closer he brought me to god. Or when he married my wife and I or all of our encounters where I was met with a smile. He will be missed but I am sure he is having an excellent time in the kingdom of god
Jim was like a brother to me. I met him 52 years ago when we built our cabin right next to his. When we were not there in the summer he took it upon himself to watch over my parents and soon adopted them as his own. We became very close and we treated each other like brother and sister. Natalie and Christopher called you Uncle Jim. We were always happy to see each other. Jim, I really miss you and there will be an empty feeling when I see the cabin but you have left me with many memories and I will cherish them forever. Please say Hi to mom and dad for me.
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Our parish was blessed to have had you, Father Jim. Born in Manitoba with English as a first language. Keep on smiling wearing your Jesus boots. God bless.