The Passing of James W. Gregory Jr.

To the Williams Community,

I am sad to report the death on Saturday of James W. Gregory Jr., who retired from Williams in 2010 after a career in the college’s grounds operation that spanned five decades.

Jim, known to many family and friends as “Jim-O,” came to Williams in 1973 from Mount Hope Farm, starting as a groundsperson in the landscape part of the operation, and eventually moving to the ski area crew working at Berlin Mountain, Brodie Mountain, and Jiminy Peak. He finished his career as part of the athletics grounds crew.

He’s remembered for his sense of humor and his good nature, as well as his willingness to take on any task and his skill at accomplishing the work, whether installing new lawns and drainage systems, taking down trees, or maintaining athletic facilities at Williams or helping his son Nathan (Nate) with countless house projects and car repairs. He particularly enjoyed his interactions with Williams students, supporting facilities for the ski, crew, and hockey teams, and he often took his granddaughter Emma Grace to watch hockey games when he wasn’t working.

Jim, who lived in Florida, Mass., with his wife Kathleen, was born in North Adams and attended Drury High School and McCann Technical High School. He served in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam War veteran, and he was a member of the VFW in North Adams.

In addition to his wife, son, and granddaughter, Jim is survived by his brother Craig, of Tamarac, Fla., sister Sandra Bicksler, of Port Orange, Fla., daughter-in-law Christina Gregory, who works at Williams as a senior accountant in the Controller’s Office, and nieces and nephews. His sister Nancy Houran is deceased.

There will be no funeral services for Jim, but memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Volunteer Fire Department in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapel, 74 Marshall Street, North Adams, MA, 01247.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with Jim’s family and friends.

Regards,

Adam Falk
President