Storke Funeral Home Obituaries

Mr. James Madison Gray, 81, of Dunn passed away Thursday, July 6, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Richmond, VA on September 23, 1941, to the late Weldon and Ethel Madison Gray.

He grew up in Bowling Green, VA and began a lifetime of service beginning with a love for the outdoors in Boy Scout Troop 173. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was awarded Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow. He went on to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute where he earned a Bachelor’s and Master of Science in Forestry while serving in the ROTC program. He also met his future wife, Diane Stubbs.

He then served in the U.S. Army in Fairbanks, Alaska where he achieved the rank of Captain. In his professional life, he worked as a forester for Proctor and Gamble in Florida and Alberta, Canada. He then owned and operated a lumber business in Wade, NC and later a forestry consultancy, JMG Forestry. He was highly honored in his professional and personal life:

• 2010 Conservationist Award – NC Coastal Land Trust
• 2011 Forester of the Year, NC Chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters
• 2011 NC Prescribed Burner of the Year
• 2015 Elevated to Fellow, Society of American Foresters
• Local Chapter Chair, Society of American Foresters
• Mason of the Kilwinning Lodge #2237 for 55 years
• Assistant Scout Master, BSA T-711
• Advancement Chair, BSA Occoneechee Council
• Silver Beaver Award, BSA

He was highly active in church throughout his life and served as a deacon and elder emeritus at First Presbyterian Church of Dunn where he also enjoyed cooking for large groups. He enjoyed any activity related to the outdoors as well as collecting memorabilia such as model trains.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church by Rev. Howard Dudley. The family will receive friends in the church parlor following the service. A private graveside service was held Monday, July 10, 2023 at Greenlawn Cemetery, Bowling Green, VA.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Gray; sons Robert Gray, Billy Gray, and wife Elizabeth; and grandchildren, Olivia, Sofia, and Emilia Gray.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boy Scout Troop 711 C/O First Presbyterian Church of Dunn 901 N. Park Ave Dunn, NC 28334, or donations to the Church.