James "Jim" Wallace Gray

James “Jim” Wallace Gray was born into this world on March 30, 1949, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He entered the presence of the Lord, February 4, 2022, after a brief stay at Cornerstone Specialty Hospital, Conroe, Texas. Life Tribute Celebration Service will be at 10am, Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Christ United Methodist Church – College Station. Service are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers, Bryan-College Station.

He was born to the parents of Wallace Gray and Sylvia Becker Gray, who preceded him in death.

He treasured the year he attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He attended a class reunion and enjoyed visiting with his friends and former classmates.

He married the love of his life, Charlotte Ann Saenz, on March 31, 1979, at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, Houston, Texas.

Jim established Sport and Classic Motorcars, Inc. in 1980. He held business memberships with NIADA (National Independent Auto Dealers Association), TIADA (Texas Independent Auto Dealers Association), and HIADA (Houston Independent Auto Dealers Association). He was a member of NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) for more than thirty years, as well as a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. He held a subscription with “Navigators’” The motto is: “To know Christ, make Him Known, and help others do the same.”

Jim, along with his wife, Charlotte, were nationally recognized on the cover of “Used Car Dealer Magazine” in 1988. (NIADA) The featured article was “Is Working with Your Spouse Workable.” They were also both recognized as the longest working couple (40 years), in February 2020, in the “Texas Dealer Magazine”. Jim’s advice for other couples: “Our advice for couples contemplating going into business together is to place God first in their lives. To share duties and to make it a team effort to achieve their goal. When one of you is down, do not complain—step in and fill in the gap.”

Jim was baptized January 4, 2009, in Orlando, Florida, after he accepted Jesus and made the confession of faith that Jesus Christ is Lord. He and his loving wife, Charlotte, renewed their vows and were water baptized at the Woodlands Church in June 2011, with Pastor Kerry Shook officiating the ceremony. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in College Station, Texas. He served on the board of stewards and was a member of a new prayer team called 120 Pray-ers.

Jim loved traveling and going on road trips. He enjoyed dirt track and all types of auto racing. He loved fishing in Canada with his buds. He loved his family and loved spending time with them. Jim wanted to make Charlotte’s “Bucket List” dream come true; so in 2021 he took her on an extended road trip to see Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Then, they drove to Iowa to see his close friends, and from there they drove to Milwaukee to see his family. Then in 2022, he took Charlotte to The Reawaken American tour in Frisco, Texas. Jim loved the Lord, was a true Patriot, and loved America.

Jim’s passion was buying and selling cars. He sat customers down and counseled them in a way—always sharing Jesus with them. He asked questions in regard to their finances; because he wanted to be certain that the vehicle, they were looking to purchase was affordable and within their budget. He helped customers obtain what was best for their needs. Jim always said that he believed all his customers were sent by God.

Jim had the biggest smile and charisma to match. He was loved by many. He mentored and encouraged several to not give up and stay the course—wait for God to work in their lives. He pushed people to always do their absolute best and to give it their all. He had the gift of reading people and was a great judge of character. He was loving, giving, and met people’s needs. He was a man of integrity and had a servant’s heart. His passion for God and right versus wrong was admirable. Everyone that had the privilege of knowing him was truly blessed.

Charlotte gave Jim a beautiful Shofar, from Israel, for his birthday in 2021. He got up every morning, opened the upstairs window, and blew the shofar, and said, “Okay, I’ve taken care of all the evil spirits on highway 6.” When Charlotte gave him the Shofar, she also gave him a plaque with the following scripture: Joel 2:1 “Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my Holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand.”

Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Charlotte Gray, his brother Mark Gray and his wife JoEllen Gray of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, his sister, Lynne Gray, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and many numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Gray.

In lieu of flowers, please give to the “CUMC Building Fund” in the memory of Jim Gray, at Christ United Methodist Church, College Station, Texas.

Two Scriptures that sum up Jim’s life, both from “The Revised Standard” version:
I Timothy 6:6-8: “There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world; but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”

II Timothy 4:6-8: “For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

Clink on the link here Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 10AM, to watch the Life Tribute Service live. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW0uYHQ7-gw