Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the Willie L. Shaw Memorial Chapel.  Burial will follow in Calvary Memorial Cemetery.  Visitation will be prior to the service.  James Author Gray, son of the late Jessie Gray and Annie Mildred Gray, was born May 15, 1944, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.  James lived in New York City for many years and retired from New Mark & Company after serving 13 years.  James had a very charming personality and was known for his smile that could light up a room.  James loved to draw and paint beautiful sceneries, and portraits.  He was the happiest when his children and grandchildren were in his presence.  He was predeceased by his brother, Calvin Sumler.  James is survived by his children; James T Gray (wife Robbyn Gray), Tasha Gray (husband James Jones), James Gray (wife Lameika Gray), Sarai Gray, Nicole Gray, and Danny Gray; his sibling John Gray (wife Stella Gray); grandchildren; Jamel Gray, Jasmine Gray, Tameka Gray, Shavone Gray, Alyssa Gray, Emanuel Baker, Jayla Baker, Jerrica Jones, James Jones Jr., Ature Gray, Ruckarsha Gray, Jeremiah Gray, Lavelle Gray, Isaiah Washington, Josiah Gray, Marianna Gray, Nicolas Washington, Menasja Washington, Eric Washington Jr., Samir Washington, Daniel Gray Jr., Ethan-James Gray; and several great-grandchildren.