Grandpa Jim was always one of my favorite people. One of my heroes. I remember when visiting in California when Jojo and I were very young, we would fight over who would get to sit next to Grandpa. That same trip we went offshore fishing and I caught one of my first fish. Grandpa and I were so proud. He showed us how to cut down and open a fresh coconut. Later in life as a young adult, Grandpa showed me how to swing dance. I will always cherish these memories with him. I think a lot of us (myself very much included) get our love of travel and adventure from Grandpa Jim.

When he started to feel bad, Dad and I went down to Costa Rica to spend time with him. I remember watching the Cubs win the World Cup. Sometimes the simple memories like watching sports together are the best.

The last time I saw Grandpa was back in February of this year. I was telling him all about what was going on with Jojo, Mom, and the rest of the family. He worked so hard to say "What about you?". Just showed me again how much he cared about us and loved us. I will forever miss him but know he is without pain now.

Love,
Paige

Uncle Jim & Aunt Linda, you both were so fabulous to our family even with time and distance between us. Family was everything to Uncle Jim; my mother (Marie Gray Hanks) could always count on you both. I will always remember Uncle Jim's kindness and love of life. He lived his life well and shared many experiences with us - coming to Arkansas to visit us in our small home on a dirt road, attending my wedding in Big Sur, inviting a group of my Army Nurse friends out for a day deep sea fishing in Costa Rico, or taking us sailing in the San Diego Bay. We will forever remember how much you loved each other and how well you cared for him. You provided him dignity and strength to move on under his own terms. He was a man of few words but his actions spoke volumes. He is deeply missed by us all. Please remember that you have a large family in Arkansas. 

Love you, Tina & Chris Milstead

Always very quiet and focused, I remember him working on his spreadsheets at the office sitting next to me, his heart was bigger than his body and he will always be remembered in my mind for that! Linda and Jim's love story goes beyond life: a reminder that love can do everything.

Long life in our hearts forever Don Jim!

Uncle Jim & Aunt Linda,
You both have been an inspiration to me. I loved the aire about you two! That West coast feel. Uncle Jim was a dear and wonderful brother to my mother. A wonderful Uncle. Having grown up in the country, it was a great experience to join you 2 the summer I graduated from high school, 1983 in Mission Viejo. You were both so welcoming. The years and the miles are between us. But I’ll never forget how Uncle Jim’s eyes sparkled, and that big smile when he looked at you Aunt Linda. He was a good man, loved his kids and family. And oh how you lit up his life. I’m so thankful he had you to care for him through his illness. Some day, in paradise, I’ll join you both for a mimosa. Love and kisses for you both.

We will always remember Jim as a loving and very caring guy. Laid back, always a smile. A great patriot for serving his country for 27 years. Certainly a credit to the community of Coco for 20 years. Needless to say we missed Jim when he left our community. A member of the Guanacaste Veterans Association from day one. We will always remember Jim for his support to the Association. Our condolences to Linda and the family.

Eternal Patrol by USSVI
21m ·
Cold War Submarine Veteran, Jimmie Gray enlisted in the Navy in 1952 and was designated an Engineman. He served on USS Blenny (SS-324), USS Jallao (SS-368) and USS Sea Dragon (SSN-584). He left Sea Dragon in 1961 as an EN1(SS). He was commissioned and later reported to USS Chivo in 1964. He finished his tour on Chivo in 1966 as a LT. Jimmie retired from the Navy in 1978 as a LCDR.
See Jimmie's memorial from his wife: www.forevermissed.com/jimmie-lee-gray

Jinnie was aa Member at Large in the USSVI.

Sailor rest your oar.

Jim, so calmed and relaxed. I remember when the meetings got heated up, he will just sit there and observe, most likely his word will be the last word, and that was the end of the discussion.

When we worked together in Coco I got to know him even better. He was always helping everyone and was always spoiling everyone at the office. Jim was always looking out for everyone. His life was Linda and he always wanted to make her happy.

You lived a good life Jim, you will surely be missed. Always in my heart.

I am so grateful to have known and spent many years with Jim in Costa Rica. He was always the peacemaker in our group and brought light to our meetings. He will be missed dearly by my family and we all that knew him

Jim Gray, you are missed. As a fellow mariner, we always tried to leave a clean wake. Never dirty a pristine beach and even more if we encountered filth we managed it. You were courageous in your Naval Career. Pioneering Submarine limits. Always calm with a twinkle in your eye.
Like a big red Pacific Sunset, you have now gone. May your faraway place be as calm as you were in life. The tide in Coco comes and goes, but the waves sound a little empty at this moment.
Rest In Peace , my Old Friend.

I know Jimmy will be missed , however do not forget the loving time you all had together by the Grace of God. Keep a smile on your face when you think or speak of him, because it’s the memories, that count in life.

I know I sure will.
love you “Jimmy”

He will never be forgotten !!!

C and H

When I think of Jim ,I think of Costa Rica. I think of him on his four wheeler cruising around El Coco trying to see which cantina I was hiding in. At the time I had a restaurant in Playa Panama and needed to do some research on tropical drinks at my competitors restaurants. Jim helped me with this research and introduced me to Chili Guaro and Tica Linda cocktails. We shared a love of BBQ and vino tinto along with fishing. He was very patient and quiet and gave me a lot of good advice. I’ll miss him! God Speed Jim

I am grateful to have met and shared a snapshot of the past memories—as well a sense of the recent journey of such a committed and loving couple. May dear Jimmie now rest in God’s most loving peace and may this very same peace bring comfort for Linda.

Mr. Gray was a great guy. He was always patient and kind. Same with Mrs. Gray. It was an honor and a privilege to caregiver for him for three years. We had some funny moments together and just got to hang out together quite a bit. We didn’t talk much because of his disease but there was always a silent respect for each other which I always appreciated. I will always remember the wonderful Gray family that I got to be a part of for three years.

Oh Jim.
A man of integrity, strength and peace. A sense of seriousness and a wink of fun at all times. You helped guide us "kids" in Costa Rica by being steadfast with your values and principles. And during our years of "battle" for the same outcome, we'd still toss back a strong one and smile. We lived the Pura Vida life and knew all was good. I celebrate your life with curiosity and wonder knowing the best is always yet to come. With the ultimate respect for you, I wish Linda and your children the warmth of your smile forever and eternity. Rest in peace amigo. Pura Vida.

I will always remember Jim best at the helm of the fishing boat out on the bay. We fished, laughed and he made ceviche. I'm sure that he and John are drinking a beer and laughing it up while they wait for us to join them.

I did not know Jim or Linda before his illness, but we were brought together by my husband Mike's physical therapist. I lost my husband, also a veteran, to this same condition, but I gained a dear friend in Linda as a result. For that I am thankful, but I grieve in deep sorrow for both of us...sisters in an unwanted sisterhood of loss. I send you my love and bear hugs, Linda. Be strong and take one day at a time. I am here if you need me. Love, Judy

I welcome all family, friends to share their stories, memories of Jim.

If you have special photos, please send them to me: lindagraycr@gmail.com

Jim had an amazing life accomplishing so much with patience, strength, and service. He will be missed by his Coldwell Banker family in Costa Rica. We are fortunate to have known him and to have had the opportunity to call him a friend and colleague.  Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Linda, and his entire family. 

Jimmie Lee Gray, beloved husband of Linda Gray
Jimmie passed away July 23, 2022
Linda shares Jimmie’s journey and wishes for him Fair Winds and Following Seas…………

He has had a long and enjoyable journey through his 88 years.
Having served his country for 27 years, retiring as a Lt. Commander U.S. Navy Submarines he transitioned successfully to civilian life.
His final days were spent in San Juan Capistrano California. We traveled to many wonderful places and found our home in Costa Rica for 20 years returning to California after the start of his health demise. He loved living by the ocean, enjoyed boating and never took for granted the wonderful lifestyle he experienced.
What happiness he has brought me in the 45 years of our marriage.
He has shined a light upon so many people and was a loving and devoted Father.

Jim was always so calm, understanding, caring, though he was not a person of many words, his actions expressed so much more.

My wish for Jim was that the wind and spiritual guidance carried him to a peaceful and tranquil plane as he departed from us and transitioned without pain or sorrow. He is now free of his labored body.
He will be missed but his memory will be carried in our hearts forever.