James Gray

James Gray, South Abington Township, passed away April 14, 2021 at Danville Geisinger Medical Center. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, the former Patrice McCrone. Jim described Patti as the sunshine of his life.

Born October 12, 1949 in Cardiff, S. Wales, United Kingdom, he was the son of the late Veronica and William G. Gray.

James proudly served from 1968 to 1972 in the United States Navy aboard the carrier USS Shangri-La. He was a crew member of its last cruise in 1970, which was an "Around the World Cruise". It included 8 months of service in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of Vietnam. Jim earned the Vietnam Service medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation and three battle stars for his service in Southeast Asia.

His career in law enforcement began in 1975 as a patrolman for the Clarks Green Borough Police. He served there for six years and then worked as a Sheriff's Deputy in Lee County, Florida. He returned to the area in late 1980 and was hired by the South Abington Police Department. After three years with South Abington Township, he was hired as the Police Chief for the Dalton Borough Police Department. He served the citizens of Dalton and surrounding communities for 25 years before retiring in 2008. During his career, he was President of the Scranton/Lackawanna Drug Task Force Advisory committee for three years. After seven years of drug investigations, Jim decided to take another approach at the war on drugs and became a PA Certified DARE Officer for the Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center. Serving for six years as a DARE officer was one of the highlights of his career.

A member of the Fraternal Order of Police Northeastern Lodge #63 since 1978, he served as recording secretary for sixteen years and then was elected President in 2003. He also served on the PA State Fraternal Order of Police Cities, Boroughs, Towns and Townships committee as a Trustee for many years. He was a member of the VFW Post 7069 in Clarks Summit since 1985. He was a member of the Dalton Memorial Day Veterans Committee and a member of the Dalton United Methodist Church, where he served as liturgist, chairman of the Administration Board, Co-chairman of the annual golf tournament and many other positions.

His goal was always to educate the young members in the community because, as he would say, "They are our future so teach them right."

In addition to Patti, he is also survived by his son Brian (who made him so proud) and wife Amy, both of Dalton. Along with his loving sisters, Helen Kuhn and husband Ron, Peggy Piatt, Billijane Cox and husband Michael, Judi Jones and husband James, Cathy Dougher and husband James, and several nieces and nephews.

James will always be remembered for his helping hands and loving heart. As he would say, "Everyday is a new adventure".

Viewing hours will be at Dalton United Methodist Church 9:00 a.m.– 11: 30 a.m. on Friday, April 23. Service to follow. Final resting place will be at Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst Twp. PA.