Longtime Alamosa resident James “Jim” Smith Gray died January 25, 2017 at the San Luis Care Center in Alamosa at the age of 88.

Jim was born in Monte Vista, Colorado on June 8, 1928, the son of Frank and Anna Knoop Gray. In his early years, Jim could be found helping and working at the Knoop-Gray Family Dairy in the Mt. Pleasant community. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. While stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri he met the love of his life. He was united in marriage on November 27, 1953 to what would be his wife of more than 63 years, Betty Lou Hightower in Lebanon, Missouri.

James started Jim’s Tire Store in Alamosa and operated this tire business for 40 years until retiring and selling to his daughter and son-in-law Joy and Anthony Lucero, who still own and operate it to this day. Jim was an active and loyal member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Alamosa and held numerous positions throughout the years including, Treasurer/Financial Secretary, Elder, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, and many others. Jim also served on the Alamosa Volunteer Fire Department and retired as Captain after 21 years of service.
Jim was active in the community and was on the operating board at the Alamosa Community Hospital, which is now the San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center, and served as Board Chairman for a number of years.

Much of Jim’s spare time was spent with his family. He enjoyed fishing, could fix just about anything and loved to tinker with small appliances and enjoyed woodworking. He also liked gardening and spent many hours keeping his yard in immaculate condition. Above all, Jim’s greatest times were spent with his family and especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Betty Gray of Alamosa; his children Joy (Anthony) Lucero of Alamosa, Jane Gray of Canon City, CO and Brent Gray of Rio Rancho, NM; his grandchildren Abby, Aubrey and Jarod Lucero of Alamosa, Nathan (Becca) Boucher of Littleton, CO; his great-granddaughter Edynn Quinn Lucero of Alamosa; his sister Katie Schroll of La Junta, CO; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Nelson Gray, John Gray, Frank Gray, Walter Gray and Herbert Gray; his sisters Emma Jane Gray and Lena Culler.

Visitations will be held 4:00-6:00 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2017 at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa and Saturday, January 28, 2017 from 12:30-1:00 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Alamosa. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church with burial following in the Alamosa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church School, to the San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center Foundation or to the charity of your choice in Jim’s memory.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of the arrangements. Online condolences, remarks and tributes for Jim’s family may be left at www.RogersFunerals.com