James Martin Gregory

James Martin Gregory, 83, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on January 24, 2019 at his home surrounded by his wife and two children.

He was born in Westmoreland, Tennessee on October 29, 1935 to William and Annie (Dora) Gregory; he was one of ten children.  The family moved to Indianapolis when he was young, where he later met the love of his life Shirley who was living one street over from where he lived.  They were married January 6, 1957 and spent 62 wonderful years together in the same neighborhood where they met.  They held hands from the time they met until he took his last breath.

James retired from the Carpenter’s Union, local #301 (formerly local #758).  He worked hard to ensure he took care of his family, working outside in all elements of weather.  He loved working on older cars and building things, he totally rebuilt the house they lived in.  He was one of the biggest fans of the “Indy 500” and his all time favorite driver was A.J. Foyt.  He was truly a “Jack of all Trades” and loved his flowers in the yard, especially the roses.  He really enjoyed being outside on the patio deck and tinkering in the yard, and was great at playing horse shoes.  He was a real gentleman, very humble, loved his family and never drank a drop of alcohol in his life.  His favorite meal was always breakfast and he enjoyed watching old westerns, a big fan of Clint Eastwood and John Wayne.  He was a kind and wonderful husband, father and papaw, a real family man.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Jamie and Jimmy; granddaughters, Tosha and Monica; great grandchildren, Ayden, Angelina, Wyatt, Ryder and Rylee; brother, Cordell Gregory and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary, Lucille, Polly; brothers, William Herald, Bill, Willie, Bob, John.

Visitation will be Friday, February 1, 2019 at Flanner Buchanan-Floral Park, 425 N. Holt Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222, with family time from 10:30 am to 11 am and public time from 11 am to 1 pm.  Service time will be at 1 pm with the family requesting privacy immediately following the conclusion of the service, there will not be a graveside service.  James requested his final resting place to be in Florida with his wife.