Final Salute

James L. Gregory, 78, of Albion, passed away on Monday, June 27. Jim was born on January 15, 1944, the son of John A., Sr. and Alma (Kline) Gregory. He was one of six brothers who grew up on the family farm in Fairview, PA.

Jim graduated from Fairview High School in 1962. Beginning his military career in high school in the ROTC, he joined the United States Navy following graduation, serving as a Seabee. After his service, he returned to Albion and worked at Johnson’s Feed Mill. From 1969 to 1980, he worked as a machinist and foreman at the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad. He finished his working years at R.R. Walker’s John Deere Dealership in Edinboro until his retirement in 2000 due to health issues.

While in the service, he met his future bride-to-be on a double date with his brother. He married Jeanette Feller on May 15, 1965. They continued to build their family, having two girls, Karen and Paula. Jim lived his life for his family, enjoying family gatherings and spending many days doing projects at his house and his daughters’ homes. He could fix and build pretty much anything and developed a knack for woodworking, creating beautiful pieces of furniture. He also enjoyed working outside in the yard.

In 2004, Jim was blessed to receive the gift of a new lung through an organ donation, giving him eighteen more years with his family. He and his family were grateful every day for this gift which gave him the chance to celebrate many milestones in life, including his 50th wedding anniversary and walking his daughter down the aisle.

Jim was a good and kind man and will be dearly missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Robert, Jack, and Layton “Dutch,” and a sister-in-law, Amy.

He is survived by his wife Jeanette and two daughters, Karen Gregory of Albion and Paula Gregory Stinson (Matt) of Erie; two brothers, David (Carol) of Fairview and Gerald (Darlene) of Girard; a sister-in-law, Deanna of Smicksburg; many nieces and nephews; and five grand fur-babies.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the medical staff in the Medical ICU at UPMC Hamot.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 2, at Grace United Methodist Church, 49 Franklin Street, Albion, PA, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will begin at noon, followed by a luncheon in the church hall.

The Mattera Funeral Home, 188 East State Street, Albion is handling the funeral arrangements. To light a memory candle or leave a condolence please visit www.matterafuneralhome.com

Posted online on June 29, 2022

Published in Erie Times-News